Definition:
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in a joint.
Diagnosis:
The doctor examines the patients for signs and symptoms and any recent infections to determine where the infection originated. To discover the bacteria causing the infection, fluid samples from within the affected joint is taken for examination. The patient may also undergo blood tests to check whether the if bacteria are present in the bloodstream. The doctor may also recommend X-rays and other imaging tests.
Treatment:
Patients are treated with antibiotics and joint drainage.
Symptoms and Signs:
Affected individuals experience fever with chills, severe pain in the affected joint when moved, and swelling and warmth in the area of the affected joint
Causes:
Septic arthritis may be caused by an infection elsewhere in the body that spreads to the joint through the bloodstream. Puncture wounds, surgery, and drug injections may also cause the infection. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus usually causes the condition. Viruses and fungus may also cause septic arthritis.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
