Septic Arthritis

Question 1

What is septic arthritis?

Answer 1

arthritis?
infection in a joint

Question 2

True or false: septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency

Answer 2

true (it can rapidly destroy the joint and cause systemic illness)

Question 3

Give 3 presentations associated with septic arthritis:

Answer 3

1) hot, red, swollen and painful joint
2) stiffness and reduced range of motion
3) fever, lethargy and sepsis signs

Question 4

What bacteria is the most common cause of septic arthritis?

Answer 4

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 5

Name 5 bacteria that cause septic arthritis:

Answer 5

1) Staphylococcus aureus
2) Neisseria gonorrhoea (common in sexually active young people, would also present with genital symptoms)
3) Group A Strep (e.g. Strep. pyogenes)
4) Haemophilus influenzae
5) E.coli

Question 6

Give the 2 steps of septic arthritis management:

Answer 6

1) joint aspiration for gram staining, crystal microscopy, culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing
2) empiric IV antibiotics

Question 7

What is the first line antibiotic for septic arthritis?

Answer 7

IV flucloxacillin

Question 8

What is the first line antibiotic for septic arthritis in patients allergic to penicillin?

Answer 8

clindamycin

Question 9

What antibiotic is typically given for N. gonorrhoea septic arthritis?

Answer 9

Ceftriaxone