Septic arthritis

Question 1

Septic arthritis is where an infection occurs within a joint, and is a common and important complication of what?

Answer 1

Joint replacement

Question 2

Does septic arthritis commonly affect 1 or multiple joints?

Answer 2

1

Question 3

What joint is most commonly affected?

Answer 3

Knee

Question 4

Name 2 presenting features

Answer 4

• Hot, red, swollen and painful joint
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy and sepsis

Question 5

1) What is the commonest causative bacteria?
2) Name 2 other potential causes

Answer 5

1) Staphylococcus aureus
2) Neisseria gonorrhoea (gonococcus) in sexually active individuals, group A Streptococcus (most commonly Strep pyogenes), haemophilus influenzae, E. coli

Question 6

In the management of septic arthritis, how long is antibiotics usually given for?

Answer 6

4-6 weeks

Question 7

If someone presents with query septic arthritis, what should be done next?

Answer 7

Urgent orthopaedic review (for aspiration and washout consideration)

Question 8

What is the key investigation?

Answer 8

Synovial fluid sampling