Septic Arthritis

Question 1

what is septic arthritis

Answer 1

joint infection caused by bacteria or viruses that spreads to the synovial fluid

Question 2

what is the most common causative agent of septic arthritis

Answer 2

staphylococcus aureus

Question 3

risk factors of septic arthritis

Answer 3

joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

chronic kidney disease

immunosuppresion

prosthetic joints

Question 4

clinical features of septic arthritis

Answer 4

inflammation; red, hot, swollen, tender

reduced range of movement

systemically unwell; fever, hypotension etc

Question 5

investigations to do for septic arthritis

Answer 5

joint aspiration for microbiology, culture and sensitivity- fluid will be resembling pus

blood tests- high WCC, high CRP

X-ray of joint

Question 6

management of septic arthritis

Answer 6

IV antibiotics, joint washout under general anaesthetic, physiotherapy

Question 7

complications of septic arthritis (acute)

Answer 7

osteomyelitis

arthritis