What is the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis?
When evaluating a patient with suspected septic arthritis, also consider conditions such as primary rheumatologic disorders (eg, vasculitis, crystalline arthritides), drug-induced arthritis, and reactive arthritis (eg, postinfectious diarrhea syndrome, postmeningococcal and postgonococcal arthritis, arthritis of …
How do you assess for septic arthritis?
The following tests typically help diagnose septic arthritis:
- Joint fluid analysis. Infections can alter the color, consistency, volume and makeup of the fluid within your joints.
- Blood tests. These can determine if there are signs of infection in your blood.
- Imaging tests.
What is the difference between osteomyelitis and septic arthritis?
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can include the periosteum, medullary cavity, and cortical bone. Septic arthritis is an infection of surface of the cartilage that lines the joint and the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.
What are the complication of septic arthritis?
Despite advances in diagnostic studies, powerful antibiotics, and early drainage, significant joint destruction commonly occurs. Septic arthritis can also cause many complications, including osteomyelitis, bony erosions, fibrous ankylosis, sepsis, and even death.
How urgent is septic arthritis?
Nongonococcal septic arthritis is a medical emergency that can lead to serious sequelae and mortality. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment are critical to ensuring a good prognosis.
Is WBC elevated in septic arthritis?
Synovial fluid should be analyzed using cell count, gram stain, and culture. Elevated synovial white blood cell (WBC) count is highly suggestive of septic arthritis.
What is septic arthritis?
Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint (synovial) fluid and joint tissues. It occurs more often in children than in adults. The infection usually reaches the joints through the bloodstream. In some cases, joints may become infected due to an injection, surgery, or injury. What causes septic arthritis?
Should I talk to my doctor about my septic arthritis symptoms?
If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know. Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint (synovial) fluid and joint tissues. Different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi can infect a joint. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth.
Which joints are most commonly involved in nongonococcal septic arthritis?
While any joint can become infected, the most commonly involved joints in nongonococcal septic arthritis are the knee and hip, followed by the shoulder and ankle (9). The hip may be more frequently involved in children.
What is the role of arthrocentesis in the treatment of septic arthritis?
Once septic arthritis is suspected in an acutely inflamed joint especially in a patient with risk factors, arthrocentesis of the joint should be pursued without delay to aide in early diagnosis and institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes