When the emergency patient is a child, there are very specific things a radiologist bears in mind. The most important is that children are not just ‘small adults’; they have specific anatomical differences that need to be considered when examining them. In the example of a joint, skill and experience is needed to identify normal developing bone, normal cartilage, and any abnormalities such as fluid in the joint.

This ultrasound image shows a suspected hip infection in a one-year-old child. The image confirms fluid in the joint – highly suggestive for a joint infection – which means surgery is required.

Child septic arthritis