Septic arthritis Flashcards
Most common infectious agents of septic arthritis
Staph aureus
Neisseria gonorrheae
other less common causes:
Mycobacteria, spirochetes
fungi,
viruses
How do most septic arthritis infections start, ie how does the joint get infected?
Hematogenously, or from a local continuous infection of the soft tissue.
What is the treatment for suspected septic arthritis
Take synovial fluid for culturing and examination, then
IMMEDIATE initiation of empirical antibiotic treatment, the joint can be destroyed or severely damaged within 24 hours.
Get a orthopedic consult for arthrocentesis, lavage, possible surgical debridement
emperical abs:
Flucloxacillin by IV
Clindamycin if penicillin res.
Vancomycin if there is history or possibility of MRSA
Ceotaxime/ceftriaxone if gonococcus suspected
Risk factors for septic arthritis
pre-existing joint disease, especially Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Immunosuppression
Recent joint surgery
IV drug abuse
