Septic arthritis

Question 1

Septic arthritis

Answer 1

Purulent infection of joint space
Mostly haematogenous in origin (also osteomyelitis, infected skin lesions, puncture wounds)
Staph aureus most common

Question 2

Clinical features

Answer 2

Higher incidence s moved

Tenderness, warmth, swelling O/E

Question 3

Investigations

Answer 3

Raised WBC, CRP, ESR
Joint aspiration - organisms and WBC (culture!)
US can identify effusions
Xrays often initially normal or show non-specific widened joint space

Question 4

Management

Answer 4

Early, prolonged abx

Surgical drainage if infection is recurrent or it affects the hip