Spirochaetal Arthritis

Orthopaedic Infections

Spirochaetal Arthritis

Treponema pallidum

Pathology

  • Crosses placenta during latter ½ of pregnancy
  • Bone changes appear several weeks after birth
  • Hepatsplenomegaly & infant looks sick
  • Pain & pseudoparalysis

XRay

  • periostitis
    • diffuse new bone formation along diaphysis
    • May produce “onion-peel” effect
  • metaphysitis
    • trabecular erosion in juxtaepiphyseal region

Differential Diagnosis

  • Scurvy
  • Multifocal osteomyelitis
  • Battered baby syndrome
  • Caffey’s disease