Septic Arthritis

Question 1

what is septic arthritis

Answer 1

joint infection typically in the knees

spreads to fluid surrounding the joint (synovial fluid)

must be treated immediately

Question 2

who gets septic arthritis

Answer 2

not many people (4-10 cases per 100,000 patients in a year)

joint disease

CKD

immunosuppression

prosthetic joints

Question 3

what are the causative organisms of septic arthritis

Answer 3

stap aureus!!

gonococcus in young sexually active

Question 4

how does septic arthritis present

Answer 4

acutely inflamed, tender, swollen joint

reduced range of movement

systemically unwell

Question 5

how do you investigate septic arthritis

Answer 5

joint aspiration for microscopy culture and sensitivity

fluid should appear cloudy and yellow (pus-sy)

blood tests

blood cultures

x-ray

Question 6

what blood results would you get in septic arthritis

Answer 6

high WCC

high ESR

high CRP

Question 7

how do you manage septic arthritis

Answer 7

IV antibiotics according to local guidelines

consider joint drainage under GA

physio once the acute infection resolves