What are the indications for surgical intervention in cases of osteomyelitis/ septic arthritis? How should treatment progress and resolution be monitored?

Authors: Ali Parsa, Alexander J. Shope

RECOMMENDATION: Septic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency and needs prompt surgical treatment. Based on current evidence, there are no clear indications for the timing of surgical intervention in cases of osteomyelitis. The current literature does suggest monitoring disease progression, treatment efficacy and resolution by trending C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 91%, Disagree: 3%, Abstain: 6% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)

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