Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is a painful and potentially serious condition that occurs when a joint becomes infected. The infection is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses or fungi. Septic arthritis typically affects a single large joint, such as the knee or hip, but it can sometimes involve multiple joints.
Septic arthritis is usually caused by bacteria that spread through the bloodstream from another part of the body. It can also result from a bacterial infection that enters the body through an open wound or during a surgical procedure, such as knee surgery. The most common bacteria that cause septic arthritis in adults and children are staphylococcus and streptococcus, while neisseria gonorrhoeae is the most common cause in young, sexually active adults.
In some cases, septic arthritis can be caused by viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, parvovirus B19, HIV, and others. Fungal infections, such as those caused by histoplasma, coccidioides, and blastomyces, can also lead to septic arthritis, although these infections typically develop more slowly than bacterial infections.
Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing septic arthritis, including:
Young children and elderly adults
People with open wounds
Individuals with weakened immune systems
Those with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and immune deficiency disorders
Intravenous drug users
People with previously damaged joints
Symptoms of septic arthritis usually come on quickly and may include:
Intense pain in the affected joint, especially with movement
Swelling and warmth in the joint
Redness of the skin around the joint
Fever and chills
Fatigue and generalized weakness
Inability to move the limb with the infected joint
To diagnose septic arthritis, doctors often perform a procedure called arthrocentesis. During this procedure, a needle is used to remove a sample of synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the joint) from the affected joint. The fluid is then sent to a lab for analysis, where a white cell count and bacterial culture are performed to determine if an infection is present and to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
X-rays may also be taken to look for joint damage, and blood tests can be used to monitor inflammation. In some cases, an MRI scan may be ordered to evaluate joint destruction, although this is less useful in the early stages of the infection.
Treatment for septic arthritis typically involves a combination of antibiotics and drainage of the infected synovial fluid from the joint. Antibiotics are usually administered intravenously (IV) to prevent the spread of the infection, and patients may need to be hospitalized for initial treatment. The specific antibiotics used will depend on the type of organism causing the infection, and treatment may continue for four to six weeks to ensure complete eradication of the infectious agents.
Drainage of the infected joint is crucial for rapid clearing of the infection. This can be done using a needle and syringe, arthroscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure), or open joint surgery, depending on the location of the joint and the severity of the infection. In some cases, drains may be left in place to remove excess fluid that builds up after the surgery.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have septic arthritis, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and long-term joint damage.
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