I am very concerned about my three-year old niece. She was diagnosed with septic arthritis of the hip. My brother and his wife refuse to let her take antibiotics for this problem. What could happen if they don't treat this?

Septic arthritis is caused by bacteria. The bacteria invade the joint causing inflammation of the joint and possible destruction of the cartilage.

Recently, there has been a move to pull back from the overuse of antibiotics. Doctors are more careful now to avoid using antibiotics when the problem is caused by a virus. As a result of using antibiotics for conditions that are not caused by bacteria, bacteria have become resistant to many of the commonly used antibiotics.

In the case of arthritis-of-the-hip-in-children" class="alinks-link" title="septic hip arthritis">septic hip arthritis, antibiotics are advised and appropriate. Without treatment, the joint can be destroyed. Hip dislocation is possible. Damage to the joint can cause a leg length difference from side to side.

Early treatment is needed to avoid permanent damage to the joint. Even with antibiotics, there can be some long-term problems. The use of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of many complications associated with septic or bacterial arthritis.