Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by the infection of a joint, typically caused by bacteria, but also possibly by fungi or viruses.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Bacterial infections are the most common cause of septic arthritis, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently implicated organism.
• Other bacteria that can cause septic arthritis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Fungal infections, such as Candida, can also cause septic arthritis, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
• Viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C, can also lead to septic arthritis.
• Risk factors for developing septic arthritis include joint trauma or injury, previous joint surgery, prosthetic joints, compromised immune system, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of severe joint pain and swelling, typically affecting one joint at a time.
• Redness and warmth around the affected joint.
• Limited range of motion in the affected joint.
• Fever, chills, and general feeling of illness.
• Pus or fluid accumulation in the joint.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to assess joint pain, swelling, and range of motion.
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to evaluate joint damage and rule out other conditions.
• Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) to collect fluid from the joint for laboratory analysis.
• Lab tests to identify the causative organism, including Gram stain, culture, and sensitivity testing.

Treatment

• Antibiotic therapy, typically administered intravenously, to target the specific causative organism.
• Surgical drainage of the joint to remove infected fluid and debris.
• Immobilization of the affected joint to reduce pain and promote healing.
• Pain management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Complications

• Joint destruction and permanent damage if left untreated or inadequately treated.
• Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, as a long-term consequence of septic arthritis.
• Bone or joint deformity.
• Spread of infection to other joints or parts of the body (sepsis).

Prevention

• Practice good hygiene and wound care to prevent bacterial infections.
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with bodily fluids.
• Get vaccinated against certain bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).