Septic Arthritis - Ix + Mx

Question 1

Investigation;
Joint aspiration.

? fluid culture positive in about 90%.
• If suspecting gonococcal infections, a ? tract culture should also be taken.

Answer 1

synovial

genital

Question 2

Investigation;
Joint aspiration.

o If the joint is not readily accessible (e.g. ?, ?, SIJ), aspiration should be performed in ? under ? guidance .
o ? joints should only ever be aspirated in theatre

Answer 2

hip
spine
theatre
image
prosthetic

Question 3

Investigation;

Blood ?.
o Ensure sample has been received by the lab before starting ?.
Other important bloods include ?, ?/?, ? acid and ?.

Answer 3

cultures
abx
fbc
crp/esr
uric
clotting

Question 4

Management;

ABCDE resuscitation (? ?).
Admission under ?.
Once the joint has been ?, start IV Abx (2g ? ?-hourly).
Adequate ? is important.

Answer 4

sepsis six
orthopaedics
aspirated
fluclox
6
analgesia

Question 5

Mx

Early source control with in-? ? is important.
Early active ? improves outcomes.
IV Abx is usually continued for ?-? weeks, followed by 6 ? of oral treatment.
o Duration of therapy is guided by ?/? monitoring.

Answer 5

theatre
washout
rehab
2-3
weeks
crp/esr