The use of ultrasound in the management of septic arthritis of the hip.

In the assessment of septic arthritis of the hip in a pediatric population, ultrasound is a safe and easily conducted method to confirm an effusion. The need for MRI to further evaluate the patient for adjacent infection before treatment is debatable. Once an effusion is confirmed on ultrasonography, we have found that septic arthritis of the hip does not need advanced imaging before arthrotomy and debridement.