What is Septic Arthritis?
Septic arthritis is an inflammation that affects a joint. The most common cause of this condition is infection with a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus.
Who is most at risk for Septic Arthritis?
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Patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Patients with certain infectious diseases, including HIV infection.
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Patients with certain types of cancer.
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Individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol.
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Patients with artificial joints.
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Patients with diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).
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Patients with recent joint injuries or surgery, or patients receiving medications injected directly into joints.
How can Septic Arthritis occur?
If bacteria settle in a small part of a joint, they can multiply and cause infection. Bacteria may reach the joint:
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Through the bloodstream: Bacteria may enter the blood through an infection elsewhere in the body, then travel to the bones.
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Due to injury: Bacteria can reach the joint if the joint is wounded.
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During surgery: Infection is an uncommon complication when joint surgery or joint examinations (such as arthroscopy) are performed.
How is Septic Arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of septic arthritis is based on a combination of laboratory tests, along with consideration of the patient’s medical history and examination of the affected joint. It is important to note that septic arthritis may occur alongside other forms of arthritis, gout, rheumatic fever, Lyme disease, or other disorders that may cause a combination of joint pain and fever.
What is the treatment for Septic Arthritis?
(A) Medications for Septic Arthritis: Once the causative organism is identified, the doctor can prescribe a medication targeting that specific bacterium or virus. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically prescribed for viral infections. Antibiotics are given intravenously for about six weeks or until inflammation resolves. The patient may then be given oral antibiotic therapy for two to four weeks.
(B) Surgery for Septic Arthritis: In some cases, surgery is necessary to drain fluid from the infected joint. Patients who do not respond to antibiotic therapy, patients with infections in the hip joint or other joints difficult to access via joint aspiration, and patients with joint injuries related to gunshot wounds or other penetrating injuries require surgical drainage. If the infection is treated promptly, there is a good chance of complete recovery without any long-term problems. If treatment is delayed, joint damage can occur rapidly.
