The infection will spread to the joints and causeinflammation.
Septic arthritis is also called pyogenic arthritis orbacterial arthritis.
Septic arthritis is treated withantibioticsand can be a serious condition if left untreated.
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It can lead to progressive and irreversible joint damage or become a life-threatening medical emergency.
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What Causes Septic Arthritis?
It typically affects one joint.
However, it is possible to experience the condition in multiple joints depending on the bacterium that caused it.
It can also invade thesynovial fluidthat lubricates the joints.
Common pathogens for adult septic arthritis includeStaphylococcus aureus,coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus,Streptococcus, andPseudomonas, and other Gram-negative bacteria.
Who Is at Risk for Septic Arthritis?
Septic arthritis frequently affects children, but adults get it too.
Children are at a higher risk for infections that could lead to septic arthritis.
What Joints Are More Likely to Have Septic Arthritis?
Additionally, children may experience septic arthritis in different joints than adults.
Septic arthritis causes excess fluid in and around the knee joint.
What Are the Symptoms of Septic Arthritis?
The symptoms of septic arthritis will occur in the infected joints.You may also experience systemic (whole-body) symptoms.
In this case, the infection occurs long after the surgical area has healed.
The prosthetic joint may loosen, causing additional pain with movement or putting weight on the joint.
In severe cases, the joint will become dislocated.
How Is Septic Arthritis Diagnosed?
The lab will also look for bacteria and other organisms to determine the cause of septic arthritis.
X-rays and other imaging might be requested to look for joint damage.
Blood work will be requested to look for and monitor inflammation in the body.
This includesC-reactive protein(CRP) anderythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR or sed rate) testing.
What’s the Treatment for Septic Arthritis?
This means you will be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
once you nail finished your IV antibiotic treatment and go home, your healthcare provider will prescribe oral antibiotics.
An open surgical procedure might be undertaken if there is joint damage.
This surgery will remove any damaged joint sections or replace the joint once the infection has been treated.
The prosthetic joint is left in place.
What Happens If Treatment Is Delayed?
Untreated septic arthritis can lead to severe complications or become life-threatening.
Septic arthritis may also appear with osteomyelitis.
For example, a person with a weakened immune system may experience severesepsisthat could quickly lead to death.
Fortunately, this complication can be prevented by getting prompt medical care.
Septic arthritis needs to be treated.
Anyone experiencing signs of the condition should contact their healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I Prevent Septic Arthritis?
It might be possible to prevent septic arthritis.
This starts by avoiding or treating cuts, wounds, or other damage to the skin.
Medical attention should be sought for cuts or burns that are deep or especially severe.
Reach out to your healthcare provider at thefirst signs of an infection, especially fever and severe joint pain.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Septic arthritis can become a medical emergency if left untreated.
Intense pain and swelling, accompanied by fever and chills, can come on suddenly and worsen quickly.
Summary
Septic arthritis is an infectious arthritis that affects one or more joints.
Bacteria often cause it, but it might also occur because of a virus or fungus.
It develops when an infection spreads to the joints and causes severe inflammation.
The infection can invade cartilage tissue, synovial joint linings, and synovial fluid.
This bang out of arthritis typically involves a knee or hip joint, but any joint can be affected.
It can sometimes affect multiple joints or a prosthetic joint one year or more after joint replacement surgery.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, limited joint range of motion, fever, and chills.
Treatment is crucial because septic arthritis can lead to irreversible joint damage or life-threatening sepsis.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
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Ross JJ.Septic Arthritis of native joints.Infect Dis Clin North Am.
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