Septic Arthritis Management Flashcards
What are the common causes of septic arthritis?
- Penetrating joint injury
- STIs (Chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
Septic arthritis can arise from various infections, including sexually transmitted infections that can directly affect the joints.
What are the risk factors for septic arthritis?
- Age
- Immunosuppression
- Joint procedures
- Comorbidities (RhA, DM, IVDU)
These factors increase susceptibility to infections that can lead to septic arthritis.
What are the differential diagnoses for septic arthritis?
- Gout
- Pseudogout
- Reactive arthritis
- Transient synovitis
- Perthes disease
- SUFE
Each of these conditions can mimic the symptoms of septic arthritis and require careful evaluation.
What is the classic triad of symptoms for reactive arthritis?
Can’t see, pee, or climb a tree
This phrase summarizes the common symptoms associated with reactive arthritis, often triggered by infections.
What common organism causes septic arthritis in young adults?
Neisseria gonorrhoea
This organism can spread hematogenously and is a major cause of septic arthritis in this demographic.
What age group is typically affected by transient synovitis?
3-8 years old
Transient synovitis usually presents as acute hip pain following a viral infection in this age group.
What are the focused examination findings in septic arthritis?
- Erythema
- Oedema +/- fluctuance
- Pain
- Reduced ROM (80% of patients)
- Fever (present in majority)
These clinical signs help in diagnosing septic arthritis during a physical examination.
What investigations should be performed for suspected septic arthritis?
- Joint aspiration (before ABx)
- FBC
- CRP
- ESR
- Blood cultures
These investigations help confirm the diagnosis and identify causative organisms.
What is the first-line antibiotic treatment for septic arthritis?
Flucloxacillin (or clindamycin if pen-allergy)
This treatment is recommended for 4-6 weeks, with a switch to oral antibiotics after 2 weeks.
What is the purpose of needle aspiration in septic arthritis treatment?
To decompress the joint
This procedure can relieve pressure and pain in the affected joint.
True or False: Vancomycin is bactericidal.
False
Vancomycin is mainly bacteriostatic, whereas flucloxacillin is bactericidal.
What is the typical treatment duration for intravenous antibiotics in septic arthritis?
4-6 weeks
Treatment duration may vary based on clinical response and culture results.
