Multifocal Osteoarticular Infections in Infants: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Osteoarticular infections in infants represent acute and severe conditions that frequently involve multiple sites, which increases the likelihood of missed diagnosis. Damage to the growth plate or missed diagnosis of suppurative hip arthritis often portends catastrophic consequences. Case presentation: We present a rare case of multifocal osteoarticular infection in an infant under three months of age. The initial diagnosis and treatment concentrated solely on the infection site of the right femoral epiphysis and knee joint, while the left femur and hip joint were overlooked due to atypical clinical presentations. Interestingly, despite numerous risk factors indicating a poor prognosis, a favorable outcome was ultimately achieved after five years of follow-up. Conclusion: Infants are prone to multi-articular bone infections due to their special physiological mechanisms. It is necessary to conduct a careful physical or imaging examination to avoid missed diagnosis, and their prognosis may not conform to conventional experience.