Septic arthritis is a painful joint infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens[1][2]. It is usually monoarticular, involving one large joint such as the hip or knee, but polyarticular septic arthritis involving multiple or smaller joints may also occur[1]. Septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency that can cause significant joint damage leading to increased morbidity and mortality[1]. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving joint function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of septic arthritis usually develop quickly over a few days and need to be checked straight away. Common symptoms include:
– Severe joint pain, usually in just one joint, that started suddenly
– Swelling around a joint
– The skin around a joint has changed color
– Fever or feeling generally unwell and have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery[3][2][4]
Diagnosis
To diagnose septic arthritis, doctors typically perform joint fluid analysis, which involves withdrawing a sample of fluid from the affected joint with a needle. Laboratory tests can determine what organism is causing the infection, so your doctor will know which medications to prescribe[5]. A specialized scan that involves swallowing or injecting a small amount of a radioactive chemical may be used if your doctor suspects you have a prosthetic joint infection and it’s been more than a year since you’ve had surgery[5].
Treatment
Septic arthritis treatment involves draining the infected joint fluid with a needle or via an operation plus antibiotics[6]. The sooner treatment begins after infection, the better the prognosis. Patients treated within seven days of the onset of symptoms tend to do well, while those whose treatment is delayed one month or longer do poorly, as the infection has the opportunity to spread[6]. Intravenous antibiotics are followed by oral antibiotics for several months to prevent the infection from coming back[5]. The empiric choice of antibiotic therapy is based on results of the Gram stain, the clinical picture, and the medical background of the patient[7]. When the Gram stain fails to reveal any microorganisms, the individual’s age and sexual activity become the major determinants to differentiate gonococcal from nongonococcal arthritis[7].
Prevention
To prevent septic arthritis, it’s important to practice good hygiene and take precautions to avoid infections. This includes washing your hands regularly, covering open wounds, and avoiding contact with people who have infections[4].
If you suspect you have septic arthritis, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can help minimize joint damage and improve your prognosis[3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538176/
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-and-joint-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20350755
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/septic-arthritis/
[4] https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/septic-arthritis-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-and-joint-infections/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350760
[6] https://creakyjoints.org/education/septic-arthritis/treatment/
[7] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/236299-medication
