Septic Arthritis

Question 1

What are the risk factors for septic arthritis? (Any 3)

Answer 1

Underlying joint disease

Prosthetic joint

Old age

Immunosuppressed

Exposed to ticks

Question 2

What are the signs of septic arthritis? (Any 3)

Answer 2

Hot swollen painful restricted joint

Acute

Fever

STI (gonorrhoea causes septic arthritis)

Single joint affected

Question 3

Investigations for septic arthritis (Any 5)

Answer 3

Synovial fluid aspiration
Blood cultures 
WBC count
CRP/ESR
U+E
LFT
Plain X ray
US in hip joint sepsis

Question 4

Treatment of septic arthritis (4)

Answer 4

Empirical antibiotics initially

Specific antibiotics when results back

Aspirate joint to relieve symptoms

Analgesia

Note: If sepsis systemic then sepsis 6 (give 3 take 3)