Septic Arthritis of the Hand

Question 1

define

Answer 1

bacterial infection of a joint

Question 2

cause

Answer 2

traumatic e.g. joint penetration

haematogenous spread

Question 3

is it an emergency?

Answer 3

yes as there is irreversible damage to the hyaline cartilage

Question 4

common causative organisms

Answer 4

staph aureus
strep
E.coli

Question 5

presentation

Answer 5

acute monoarthropathy
swelling
systemic upset
raised inflamamtory markers

Question 6

management

Answer 6

urgent review
aspiration
open/arthroscopic washout and debridement