Septic Arthritis

Question 1

What are the differential diagnoses of a single, hot, red, swollen joint?

Answer 1

1) Septic arthritis
2) Trauma
3) Gout
4) Haemoarthrosis (bleeding into joint space)
5) Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 2

What is the most common organism that causes septic arthritis?

Answer 2

1) Staphylococcus Aureus.
2) N. Gonorrhoea
3) haemophilus influenzae

(Gram -ve bacteria)

Viruses: Mumps, rubella, parvovirus B19

Fungi : candida

Question 3

What are the risk factors for septic arthritis?

Answer 3

• prosthetic joint
• rheumatoid arthritis
• corticosteroid therapy
• DM
• poor nutrition
• obesity
• ag

Question 4

What investigations should be done for a septic joint?

Answer 4

1) Aspirate joint fluid for gram staining, and look for crystals (gout)
2) Blood cultures +ve
3) Xray
4) skin wound swab for source of infection

Question 5

What is the treatment for septic arthritis?

Answer 5

1) Wash joint to remove purulent material.
2) Immobilise joint intially then start physio to prevent stiffness and muscl wasting.
3) IV abx to 1-2weeks (flucloxacillin)
4) Then oral Abx for 6 weeks
5) prostetic joint may need replacing