A serious medical condition characterized by an infection of the joints is septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis. A septic arthritis infection occurs when bacteria or other infectious agents enter a joint space, causing inflammation and damage. We will examine the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition in this blog post.
The bacteria that cause septic arthritis are usually Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, though fungal and viral infections are also possible. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common bacteria associated with septic arthritis. Infections can enter the joint in a variety of ways, including:
An adjacent infection, such as a wound or surgical site, can spread directly
A distant infection, such as a urinary tract infection or respiratory infection, can spread hemogenously
An injury to the joint that allows bacteria to enter
Septic arthritis can cause the following symptoms:
Joint pain accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth
Joints with limited range of motion
Chills and fever
Malaise and fatigue
Joints affected by this condition have difficulty bearing weight
Septic arthritis is typically diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Some common diagnostic methods include:
Aspirating fluid from an affected joint and analyzing it for bacteria or other infectious agents is known as joint aspiration.
Septic arthritis may cause elevated blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess joint damage and rule out other causes.
Some common treatment approaches for septic arthritis include antibiotics and supportive care.
It may be necessary to administer antibiotics intravenously to target the specific bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic choice may be guided by cultures and sensitivity tests of joint fluid.
Surgical or needle aspiration of the affected joint to remove infected fluid and reduce pressure.
Analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to relieve pain.
Once the infection has been controlled, physical therapy may be recommended to improve joint mobility and strength.
Infections that can lead to joint involvement can be prevented by minimizing the risk of infections. Some preventive strategies include:
Good hygiene: Regular handwashing and wound care can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Infections should be treated promptly and effectively to reduce the risk of complications, such as septic arthritis.
Septic arthritis can be prevented with vaccinations against certain bacterial and viral infections, such as influenza and pneumococcus.
Reduce the risk of bacteria entering the joint space by avoiding unnecessary joint procedures, such as injections or surgeries.
