Children with bone and joint infections can now avoid hospitalizations and receive treatment at home, according to a new study. The research reveals that antibiotic treatment in pill form or as a liquid solution is just as effective as intravenous therapy for children with uncomplicated bone and joint infections. The findings were recently published in the journal *The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health*.

The study, conducted in Denmark, involved 248 children aged between three months and 17 years who were randomly assigned to receive either oral or intravenous antibiotics. The goal was to determine whether the children would respond better to the more convenient oral treatment, and the results showed promising signs. The study was led by research director Ulrikka Nygaard from the Department of Children and Adolescents at Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), who emphasizes that this new method could revolutionize treatment.

This new treatment approach means that children can stay at home instead of being hospitalized, which could reduce stress and promote healing in their familiar surroundings. Additionally, children can continue their schooling and daily routines without significant interruptions. “Being able to stay home with oral antibiotics will reduce stress and have a significant impact on both the child and their family,” says Nygaard.

Ida Thymann, the mother of Lauge, one of the participants in the study, shared her experience: “When we learned that Lauge could be treated at home, it was a great relief. His infection improved quickly with the pills.” This positive experience supports the researchers’ expectations that home treatment can be beneficial for many families.

Bone and joint infections often affect previously healthy children, usually originating from minor wounds that become entry points for bacteria. Traditionally, such conditions require hospitalization with antibiotics administered through a drip; however, the new findings could lead to changes in this practice as early as this fall. Ulrikka Nygaard and her team are now working to develop precise guidelines for Danish pediatric departments so they can widely offer this new treatment method.

This shift in treatment is anticipated not only to improve the quality of life for young patients but also to significantly relieve the healthcare system by reducing the need for hospitalizations.