Kocher Criteria for Septic Arthritis in Children
Predicts probability of septic arthritis of the hip in children, differentiating from transient synovitis. Used to guide need for emergency surgery.
Score interpretation
→ 4/4 criteria: 99.6% probability of septic arthritis. Emergency surgical drainage of hip joint required. Urgent orthopaedic and paediatric surgical review.
→ 3/4 criteria: 93.1% probability of septic arthritis. Very high suspicion. Emergency surgical consultation; joint aspiration and drainage strongly recommended.
→ 2/4 criteria: ~40% probability of septic arthritis. Intermediate risk. Consider hip ultrasound-guided aspiration; orthopaedic consultation.
→ 1/4 criteria: ~3% probability of septic arthritis. Low risk. Likely transient synovitis. Supportive management; monitor closely; recheck if worsening.
→ 0/4 criteria: <0.2% probability of septic arthritis. Extremely low risk. Transient synovitis most likely. NSAIDs, rest, and outpatient follow-up.
Interpretation bands for the Kocher Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Pain) · NSAID — Non-selective COX Inhibitor
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.