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SEPTIC ARTHRITISSeptic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis or pyogenic arthritis, is a serious infection of the joints characterized by pain, fever, chills, inflammation and swelling in one or more joints, and loss of function in those joints. Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency because of the damage it causes to bone as well as cartilage, and its potential for creating septic shock, which is a potentially fatal condition. The cause of septic arthritis-- Septic arthritis occurs when some type of infecting organism, most often bacteria, reaches a joint. Bacteria can get into a joint through the bloodstream, or through surgery, an injection, or injury that directly contaminates the joint. Intravenous drug users and people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, are more likely to have septic arthritis caused by gram-negative bacteria. The symptoms of septic arthritis are-- Symptoms of septic arthritis occur suddenly and are characterized by-- • severe pain • Swelling in the affected joint along with acute pain. • Chills and fever • pain in the groin area that becomes much worse if the patient tries to walk • In the majority of cases, there is some leakage of tissue fluid into the affected joint. The joint is sore to the touch, and may or may not be warm to the touch, depending on how deep the infection lies within the joint. Children sometimes develop nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis-- Your doctor will diagnose septic arthritis based upon-- • your symptoms • your medical history • a complete physical exam • synovial fluid test • blood tests • The doctor may perform an arthrocentesis…..(a procedure that involves withdrawing a sample of synovial fluid from the joint with a needle and syringe for testing) • The doctor may also perform a culture of blood and urine to rule out other causes • Because septic arthritis can quickly destroy a joint unless treated, your doctor may also order x-rays to assess any joint damage. Treatment for septic arthritis-- • Septic arthritis must be diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics. • Surgical drainage maybe required only if medical therapy fails over two to four days to alleviate symptoms. • Hot compresses and splinting the joint to provide it with rest and support can help relieve pain • Gentle exercise to prevent stiffness Recovery from septic arthritis is usually good with most patients undergoing treatment, although many patients will develop osteoarthritis or deformed joints. Children with infected hip joints sometimes suffer damage to the growth plate. While septic arthritis cannot be prevented in many cases, you can reduce your risk by not indulging in high risk activities such as intravenous drug use. Patients receiving corticosteroid injections into the joints for osteoarthritis may want to weigh this treatment method against the increased risk of septic arthritis. |
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