Abstract:
Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal infections are common disorders that can result in
significant disability. Because the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of infections of the
bones, joints, and soft tissues have continued to improve over time, it is important to have an
understanding of the etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the commonest
microorganisms, in order to achieve successful outcomes. Although each infectious process is
unique, certain treatment principles like prevention, a prompt and accurate diagnosis, and timely
medical and/or surgical intervention apply to all pediatric musculoskeletal infections. Continued
evaluations are mandatory to assure good long-term outcomes. Because the effects of infection
may last beyond the acute episode in pediatric patients, long-term follow-up is needed to assess
for late sequelae such as angular deformities and limb-length inequalities.
Objective: To identify the etiology and asses risk factors, drug susceptibility pattern and treatment
outcome of musculoskeletal infections in children admitted to Jimma medical center.
Methods: Institution based prospective longitudinal study was conducted to identify the etiologies,
drug susceptibility pattern and treatment outcome of musculoskeletal infections in children at
JUMC. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was
collected using structured questioner. Descriptive statistics was used to present the finding like
percentage, tables and graphs. Chi-square test was applied to investigate an association between
the types of diagnosis with the predictor variables.
Results: A total of sixty-three children (63) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the study
participants was 7.12 ± 5.8 years. The most presenting symptoms of the disease was swelling and
limping (pain) which was 56 (88.9%) and 27 (42.9%) respectively. Pyomyositis was diagnosed on
49 (77.7%) of children admitted with musculoskeletal infections in the study setting. Gram stain
was done for 26 (41.3%) children with musculoskeletal infections. Culture was done for all
patients to identify the etiology of the disease of which 24 (38.1%) them was reported as having
bacterial growth. Among grown bacteria: the most predominant growth bacteria were S.aures and
S.poygen.
Conclusion and recommendation: most of them were diagnosed with pyomyositis, staph aureus
being the commonest etiology identified and is susceptible to different drugs. emperic treatment
with the sensitive drug may improve the outcome.
