Septic Arthritis Flashcards
What is septic arthritis?
Infection of the join space
What is the main risk factor for septic arthritis?
Joint replacement
What is the main cause of septic arthritis?
Staphylococcus aureus
What is the main cause of septic arthritis likely to be if they have sickle cell anaemia?
Salmonella
What is the main cause of septic arthritis likely to be if they are a sexually active young person?
Neisseria Gonorrhoea
How does someone with septic arthritis present?
- Struggle to weight bear
- Red, hot, swollen, painful joint
- Fever- and other systemic symptoms
- Reduced range of movement
Which joint is mainly affected by septic arthritis?
Knee joint
How does septic arthritis progress?
Comes on suddenly, gets worse as the day goes on
What is the common presentation of 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
How does fluid from joint aspiration appear in someone with septic arthritis?
Yellow in appearance
How would you aspirate in someone with a joint replacement?
In an operating theatre
What would the joint aspiration contain?
- White cell count 20,000/mm3
* 93% neutrophils
What is the management of septic arthritis?
IV flucloxacillin (clindamycin) and rifampicin
What is the management of septic arthritis in someone with sickle cell anaemia?
IV ceftriaxone
