Septic arthritis of the shoulder joint in a child with sickle cell trait and G6PD deficiency

Abstract

Septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and osteonecrosis are known complications of sickle cell disease in children. However, similar complications in cases of sickle cell trait (SCT) are infrequent. Further, septic arthritis involving the shoulder joint in a child with SCT is uncommon. Here, we are reporting a case of a 6-year-old male child with SCT with septic arthritis involving the shoulder joint and associated with G6PD deficiency. He was presented with pain and restriction of the range of movements around the right shoulder joint. On the evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters, it is found to be a case of SCT with G6PD deficiency. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joint revealed a case of septic arthritis of the right shoulder joint. The patient underwent anterior shoulder arthroscopic incision and drainage under general anesthesia by the pediatric orthopedic team. He received 2 weeks of injectable vancomycin (60 mg/kg/day divided in six hourly dose), and another 2 weeks of oral linezolid (10 mg/kg/dose, three times a day) based on the culture sensitivity report was given. Physiotherapy was started after 2 weeks of surgery, and gradual improvement of the movements around shoulder joints was marked. The patient was discharged in good condition on day 28 of admission.