Septic Arthritis

Question 1

How can septic arthritis develop?

Answer 1

When an infection (such as a skin infection or urinary tract infection) spreads through your bloodstream to a joint

Less commonly:
- puncture wound
- drug injection
- surgery in or near a joint (including joint replacement surgery) - can give germs entry into the joint space

Question 2

What joints are commonly affected by septic arthritis?

Answer 2

• Knee
• Wrist
• Ankle
• Hips
• Symphysis pubis

Question 3

What are signs & symptoms (S&S) of septic arthritis?

Answer 3

• Painful, red swollen joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Systematically unwell & fever

Question 4

What are risk factors of septic arthritis?

Answer 4

• Inflammatory joint
• Disease
• Diabetes
• IV drug use
• Alcoholism
• Immunosuppression
• Malignancy
• Recent trauma or surgery

Question 5

What must be done if patient has septic arthritis?

Answer 5

Prompt medical intervention is needed to treat and prevent joint damage