Infective Arthritis Flashcards
What is another name for infective arthritis.
Septic arthritis.
What are the causes of infective arthritis. (3)
Can occur due to either haematological spread, direct spread from adjacent source, through direct introduction of the organism via trauma/instrumentation.
What are the most common bacterial causes of infective arthritis in young adults. (3)
Streptococcus pyogenes.
Staphylococcus aureus.
Neisseria gonorrhoea.
What is the most common bacterial cause of infective arthritis in those with sickle cell disease.
Salmonella.
What are the clinical signs of infective arthritis. (6)
Fever.
Warm, red, swollen, painful joint.
May also be an erythematous rash.
What blood investigations should be carried out in a patient with infective arthritis. (4)
Raised WCC.
Uric acid (to exclude gout).
Antibodies (to exclude rheumatoid arthritis).
Blood cultures.
What is seen in the synovial fluid of a patient with infective arthritis. (3)
Cloudy.
Increased leucocytes.
Cultures.
What investigation should be carried out on the urine of a patient with infective arthritis.
MC and S.
What samples should be taken for microbiology in a patient with infective arthritis. (3)
Urethral swab.
Cervical swab.
Anorectal swab.
What is seen in the Xrays of a patient with infective arthritis. (7)
Soft tissue swelling. Joint distension. Later juxta-articular osteoporosis. Periosteal elevation. Joint space narrowing. Bony erosions. Possible ostemyelitis.
What is a complication of infective arthritis.
Joint destruction.
What is the treatment of choice for a patient with infective arthritis. (5)
Physiotherapy.
Analgesia.
Antibiotics.
Aspiration and drainage of the joint.
When should you consider septic arthritis as a potential diagnosis.
In any patient with an acutely inflamed joint.
What is the most common joint affected in septic arthritis.
Knee.
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis. (8)
Pre-existing joint disease (especially RA). Diabetes mellitus. Immunosuppression. Chronic renal failure. Recent joint surgery. Prosthetic joints (where infection is particularly difficult to treat). IVDU. Age >80.
