[Bacterial bone and joint infections in childhood--a review. 3. Bacterial arthritis].

This overview presents the most important topics of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, differential diagnostics and treatment of septic arthritis in children. A child with bacterial arthritis is always a case of emergency. Only immediate and adequate treatment can avoid permanent sequelae. Medical care for these patients should be done always in close cooperation of pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and sometimes orthopedists.