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Septic Arthritis
Medical Questions » Septic Arthritis
| Name: Septic Arthritis |
| Also known as: Joint Infection |
| Uncommon but serious bacterial infection of a joint that requires urgent and effective treatment. |
Causes of Septic Arthritis
Responsible bacteria usually enter the joint through the bloodstream, but sometimes injury to the joint or adjacent bone can allow a bacteria to enter. May also follow an injection into, or the draining of fluid from a joint. Premature babies are at a particularly high risk. |
Symptoms of Septic Arthritis
Starts with a fever and the sudden onset of severe pain in a joint that is tender to touch, swollen, hot, red, and painful to move. The knees, hips and wrists are most commonly involved. |
Tests for Septic Arthritis
Blood tests show infection is present in the body, but not the location or type. Fluid drawn from the joint through a needle is cultured to identify the responsible bacteria. X-rays only show changes late in the disease. |
Treatment for Septic Arthritis
Culture of joint fluid should be started before treatment is commenced, so that the bacteria can be correctly identified. While awaiting results, antibiotics are started and are initially given by intramuscular injection. Regular removal of the infected fluid from the joint by needle aspiration or open operation, is also necessary. Further treatment involves hot compresses, elevation and immobilization of the joint, and pain relieving medication. Gentle movement of the joint should commence under the supervision of a physiotherapist as recovery occurs.
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Complications of Septic Arthritis of its treatment
Joint destruction, severe chronic arthritis, or complete fusion and stiffness of a joint can occur if the disease is not treated correctly. |
Likely Outcome of Septic Arthritis
Recovery within a week to ten days is normal with good treatment. |
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