Septic Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is septic arthritis?
What are the common causes?
A
Infection of joint by pathogenic inoculation usually only effecting 1 joint
Staphlococcus aureus
Nisseria gonorrhea
I.e. can enter joint space via the blood stream or joint directly
2
Q
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis?
A
>80 yo IV drug user Joint prosthesis Recent joint surgery Diabetes RA Cirrhosis HIV= increases the risk of bacteraemia Immunosuppresion Endocarditis HX of gout
3
Q
How might someone with septic arthritis present?
A
Single joint pain with sudden onset Unable to bear weight Unable to tolerate passive range of movement Fever Erythema Effusion Warmth Tender to touch Limb held in position which would maximise the joint volume to minimise pain
4
Q
What are the potential differential diagnosis for septic arthritis?
A
Bursitis Cellulitis Flare of osteoarthritis Reactive arthritis Gout or pseudogout= HAS IDENTICAL PRESENTATION
5
Q
What investigations should be done with septic arthritis is suspected?
How would the blood test results differ between gout and septic arthritis?
A
BLOODS:
FBC
CRP
Uric acid
Joint aspirate= definitive diagnostic test
- appearance
- microscopy + culture
- crystal analysis
BLOOD results:
- raised WCC + CRP w/o uric acid= SEPTIC
- norm WCC +CRP w/ uric acid= GOUT
6
Q
How is septic arthritis managed?
A
Orthopaedic emergency
Aspirate joint until dry Give empirical IV antibiotic therapy Surgery: gold standard -irrigation + drainage of joint -IV abx therapy to follow
