Kocher Criteria for Septic Arthritis of the Hip
Differentiates septic arthritis from transient synovitis in children with acute hip pain. Each predictor increases the probability of septic arthritis multiplicatively.
Score interpretation
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Clinical judgement: hip ultrasound and senior / orthopaedic review if concern persists; safety-net advice.
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Clinical judgement: hip ultrasound and senior / orthopaedic review if concern persists; safety-net advice.
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Urgent orthopaedic review: hip ultrasound and aspiration; blood cultures before antibiotics; antibiotics per local paediatric guideline.
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Emergency orthopaedic review for aspiration and washout; blood cultures before antibiotics; antibiotics per local paediatric guideline.
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Emergency orthopaedic review for aspiration and washout; blood cultures before antibiotics; antibiotics per local paediatric guideline.
Caird 2006 (Kocher criteria with CRP): probability of septic arthritis in children selected for hip aspiration; it is lower in unselected children. If CRP was not measured, use the 4-predictor Kocher criteria.
→ Emergency orthopaedic review for aspiration and washout; blood cultures before antibiotics; antibiotics per local paediatric guideline.
Interpretation bands for the Kocher Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Kocher MS et al. Differentiating between septic arthritis and transient synovitis of the hip in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81(12):1662–1670.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (clotting factor cofactor)
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) · Vitamin K (Coagulation Factor Synthesis)
- Hydroxychloroquine · Aminoquinoline — Malaria Prophylaxis / SLE / Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain) · NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.