Septic Arthritis

Question 1

What is septic arthritis?

Answer 1

infection caused by bacteria that have spread to the joint form a trivial site of infection

Question 2

How does it present in children?

Answer 2

unpleasant acute illness where the child is unwell with a temperature. Hot and tender joint

Question 3

How does it present in adults?

Answer 3

patient is unwell for many days before presenting with bacteraemia. Can cause death

Question 4

What can cause septic arthritis in a young sexually active adult?

Answer 4

gonococcus

Question 5

How is septic arthritis managed?

Answer 5

surgical washout and antibiotics

Question 6

What is the main problem with septic arthritis for the joint?

Answer 6

bacteria destroy the joint and will disintegrate the cartilage

Question 7

What organism can cause chronic septic arthritis?

Answer 7

TB

Question 8

How is TB septic arthritis treated?

Answer 8

medical - ethambutol, rifampicin, streptomycin for many months