Septic Arthritis Information

Septic arthritis is an inflammation of a joint caused by a bacteria infection other than gonorrhea. It may also occur when the joint is directly infected with bacteria during injury or surgery. Septic arthritis can occur at any age. When considering children, it occurs at a higher rate in those under 3 years of age, with the hip, knee and ankle being the most common joints affected. Septic arthritis may affect any joint but is most frequently found in the knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, elbow, and finger joints. Approximately 20,000 cases of suppurative arthritis occur in the United States each year. From age 3 to adolescence, Septic arthritis is uncommon, at which point incidence will increase again. Septic arthritis is often seen in the elderly, immunosuppressed and those with chronic inflammatory arthritides.

The onset of the symptoms is usually rapid with joint swelling, intense joint pain, and low-grade fever. Septic arthritis in the hip may be experienced as pain in the groin area that becomes much worse if the patient tries to walk. In the majority of cases, there is some leakage of tissue fluid into the affected joint. Risk factors for Septic arthritis include a simultaneous bacterial infection, chronic illness, diseases or medications that operate on suppression of the immune system, intravenous drug abuse, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, artificial joints, recent damage to a joint leading to bruising/inflammation, or recent joint arthroscopy or other invasive surgery. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile.

Septic arthritis must be diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics. The antibibiotics are continued orally (usually two antibiotics for six weeks and then one for a further six weeks). In immunosuppressed, gentamicin and flucloxacillin is used Rest, immobilization, elevation, and warm compresses may help relieve pain. Performing exercises for the affected joint aids the recovery process. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be helpful for high-risk people. Empirical Antibiotics - Discuss with microbiologist. Intravenous flucloxacillin and fusidic acid for at least a week. Drainage of the joint and arthroscopic washouts are helpful in relieving pain. Immobilize joint and then physiotherapy started earlyu to prevent stiffness and muscle wasting.

Septic Arthritis Treatment Tips

1. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

2. Rest, immobilization, elevation, and warm compresses may help relieve pain.

3. Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be helpful for high-risk people.

4. Fluid is usually aspirated from the affected joint to relieve pressure.

5. Aspiration may need to be done several times to relieve pressure.