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Contents
  • Who Is Most at Risk?
  • Lifestyle Factors to Consider
  • The Role of Bacteria

Are You at Risk for Septic Arthritis? Discover the Key Factors!

Are You at Risk for Septic Arthritis? Discover the Key Factors!

Why It Matters

Understanding the risk factors for septic arthritis can help in early detection and prevention of this joint infection. This article highlights the main risk factors you should be aware of.
Contents
  • Who Is Most at Risk?
  • Lifestyle Factors to Consider
  • The Role of Bacteria

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain groups of people are more likely to develop septic arthritis. These include older adults, individuals with pre-existing joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and those with weakened immune systems. Recent joint surgery or skin infections can also increase your risk.

Lifestyle Factors to Consider

Lifestyle choices, such as injecting drugs or having indwelling catheters, can significantly raise the risk of developing septic arthritis. These practices introduce bacteria directly into the bloodstream, which can then travel to the joints.
Risk factors for septic arthritis include older age, pre-existing joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, weakened immune systems, recent joint surgery, skin infections, and lifestyle choices like injecting drugs or having indwelling catheters.

The Role of Bacteria

Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus are commonly involved in septic arthritis, especially in people with compromised immune systems. These bacteria can spread to the joints through the bloodstream or during medical procedures like injections.

FAQs

Who is at risk?

Older adults and those with joint diseases or weakened immunity.

Can lifestyle affect risk?

Yes, drug use and certain medical devices can increase risk.

Which bacteria are involved?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common culprit.

The Bottom Line

Knowing your risk factors for septic arthritis can help in taking preventative measures and seeking timely treatment.
Get started on assessing your risk factors by consulting with Doctronic today!
Additional References
  1. McBride S, Mowbray J, Caughey W, et al. Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of Large and Small Native Joint Septic Arthritis in Adults. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:271.
  2. Ross JJ, Ard KL, Carlile N. Septic Arthritis and the Opioid Epidemic: 1465 Cases of Culture-Positive Native Joint Septic Arthritis From 1990-2018. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa089.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.