Septic arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is septic arthritis?
& what are its causes & pathophysiology?
A
Purulent invaison of joint by infectious organism which produces arthritis.
(aka suppurative arthritis/ pyogenic arthritis)
Causes;
- Staphylococcus aureus
Infects usually by haematogenous dissemination, or possibly by direct infection (trauma/ iatrogenic)
2
Q
What are risk factors for septic arthritis?
A
- Pre-existing joint disease (esp rheumatoid athritis)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immunosuppression
- Chronic renal failure
- Recent joint surgery
- Prosthetic joints
- IV drug abuse
3
Q
How would you investigate septic arthritis?
A
- Urgent joint aspiration for synovial fluid microscopy & cukture
- Blood cultures
- FBC, U&E
4
Q
How would you treat septic arthritis?
A
- Empirica IV antibiotics (flucloxacillin)
