Septic Arthritis Flashcards
What is septic arthritis?
Infection of the joint space
What is a risk factor of septic arthritis?
Joint replacement
What is the main bacterial cause of septic arthritis?
Staphylococcus Aureus
What is the main cause of septic arthritis in someone with sickle cell anaemia?
Salmonella
What is the main cause of septic arthritis in a sexually active young person?
Neisseria Gonorrhoea
How does septic arthritis present?
- Struggle to weight bear
- Red, hot, swollen, painful joint
- Fever- and other systemic symptoms
- Reduced range of movement
What joint is normally affected by septic arthritis?
Knee
What is the classic presentation in a child with septic arthritis?
- Persistent high temperature and drowsiness.
* Movement of hip causes child to scream in pain
How is septic arthritis diagnosed?
Joint aspiration
What colour will the aspirate be in Septic Arthritis?
Yellow
How would you aspirate the joint in someone who had joint replacement?
Aspirate joint in operating theatre
What is the management of septic arthritis?
IV flucloxacillin (clindamycin) and rifampicin
What is the management of septic arthritis if the patient has sickle cell anaemia?
IV ceftriaxone
What are the possibke complications of septic arthrtis?
Osteomyelitis
Arthritis
Ankylosis fusion
How long are antibiotics usually given for septic arthritis?
4-6 weeks
