In a remarkable display of swift clinical judgement and multidisciplinary coordination, doctors at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, successfully treated a critically ill 9-year-old boy suffering from a severe bone infection that had progressed to septic shock, requiring ventilator support and intensive care for over 10 days. The child was brought to the hospital with a history of persistent fever, difficulty in walking for nearly a week, and rapidly worsening swelling and pain in the right lower leg and hip region. Despite treatment at multiple hospitals over 4–5 days on both outpatient and inpatient bases, his condition continued to deteriorate.
Upon admission to Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, the child’s condition rapidly worsened despite medications. He started suffering from fast breathing, increased heart rate, feeble pulse, decreasing urine output and borderline blood pressure. Investigations revealed extremely high infection. Further diagnostic evaluation confirmed Osteomyelitis (bone infection) of the right hip along with a significant pus collection in the joint. He was immediately shifted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) under the care of Dr. Kushagra Gupta, Consultant – Paediatrics.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Orthopaedics team led byDr. Bharat Goswami, Consultant Orthopaedics,in coordination with the Anaesthesia team comprising Dr. Bhoop Singh, Additional Director, Anaesthesiology, Fortis Greater Noidaand Dr. Swayambhu Shubham, Attending Consultant, Interventional Radiology, immediately started the emergency surgical procedure. Approximately 200 ml of thick pus was drained from the right hip joint.
However, the battle was far from over. Post-surgery, the child experienced a stormy course in the PICU. He required ventilator support for five days and was administered multiple medications to maintain blood pressure and stabilise his lungs and breathing. The paediatric and critical care teams worked round-the-clock to manage complications associated with severe sepsis and systemic infection. After 10 days of intensive monitoring and aggressive treatment, the child gradually stabilised. He was successfully weaned off ventilatory support and showed consistent clinical improvement. Following recovery and stabilisation, he was discharged in stable condition and advised a structured course of Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT) along with antibiotics and supportive care.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Kushagra Gupta, Consultant – Paediatric said, “Severe bone infections in children can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated in time. Early recognition, prompt surgical intervention, and coordinated intensive care management were crucial in saving this child’s life. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in managing complex paediatric emergencies.”
Dr. Bharat Goswami, Consultant, Orthopaedics, added, “The amount of pus and the extent of infection we encountered during surgery indicated how aggressive the disease had become. Immediate drainage, combined with intensive post-operative care, prevented permanent joint damage and potentially fatal complications. The case underscores the dangers of untreated or rapidly progressing bone infections in children, which can lead to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, septic shock, and long-term disability if not managed urgently. Today, the young patient has returned home safely, walking toward recovery — a testament to timely intervention, advanced critical care, and coordinated teamwork at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida.”
Siddharth Nigam, Facility Director, said, “This case reflects the strength of our emergency response systems and the seamless collaboration across specialties at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida. When the child arrived in a rapidly deteriorating condition, our teams acted with urgency, precision, and unity of purpose. Managing severe sepsis in a young patient requires not just clinical expertise but advanced critical care infrastructure and coordinated teamwork. We are proud that through timely intervention and round-the-clock dedication, we were able to give this child a second chance at a healthy life. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering world-class, compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors.”
