T&O: septic arthritis

Question 1

Define septic arthritis

Answer 1

Infection of a joint caused by (usually) Staphylococcus aureus. Can cause irreversible articular damage. Can also be caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoea

Question 2

How does septic arthritis present?

Answer 2

A single, hot, swollen, painful joint.

Question 3

What investigations might you want to do for suspected septic arthritis?

Answer 3

Bloods - see raised WCC and CRP. ESR, urate. May want to aspirate the joint - send off for microscopy and culture.

Question 4

How is septic arthritis managed?

Answer 4

Abx - flucloxacillin for 2-3weeks IV then 2-4 after as oral tablets. Joint revision surgery if prosthetic joint is in pt.

Question 5

Risk factors for developing septic arthritis?

Answer 5

Intravenous drug use, diabetes mellitis (immunocompromise; ulcerations as a source of bacteraemia), prosthetic joint, osteoarthritis. Chronic kidney disease