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Septic arthritis

Bacterial arthritis; Non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis

 

Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhea has different symptoms and is also called gonococcal arthritis .

Causes

 

Septic arthritis develops when bacteria or other tiny disease-causing organisms (microorganisms) spread through the blood to a joint. It may also occur when the joint is directly infected with a microorganism from an injury or during surgery. Joints that are commonly affected are the knee and hip. 

Most cases of acute septic arthritis are caused by  Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria .

Chronic septic arthritis (which is less common) is caused by organisms including  Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans .

The following conditions increase your risk for septic arthritis:

  • Artificial joint implants
  • Bacterial infection somewhere else in your body
  • Presence of bacteria in your blood
  • Chronic illness or disease (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis , and sickle cell disease)
  • Intravenous (IV) or injection drug use
  • Medicines that suppress your immune system
  • Recent joint injury
  • Recent joint arthroscopy or other surgery

Septic arthritis may be seen at any age. In children, it occurs most often in those younger than 3 years. The hip is often the site of infection in infants. Most cases are caused by the bacteria group B streptococcus. Another common cause is Haemophilus influenza , especially if the child has not been vaccinated for this bacteria.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms usually come on quickly. There is a fever and joint swelling that is usually in just one joint. There is also intense joint pain , which gets worse with movement.

Symptoms in newborns or infants:

  • Crying when infected joint is moved (for example, during diaper change)
  • Fever
  • Not able to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)
  • Fussiness

Symptoms in children and adults:

  • Not able to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)
  • Severe joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint redness
  • Fever

Chills may occur, but are uncommon.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine the joint and ask about the symptoms.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Aspiration of joint fluid for cell count, examination of crystals under the microscope, gram stain, and culture
  • Blood culture
  • X-ray of affected joint

 

Treatment

 

Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

Resting, raising the joint above heart level, and using cool compresses may help relieve pain. After the joint starts to heal, exercising it can help speed recovery.

If joint (synovial) fluid builds up quickly due to the infection, a needle may be inserted into the joint often to aspirate the fluid. Severe cases may need surgery to drain the infected joint fluid.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Recovery is good with prompt antibiotic treatment. If treatment is delayed, permanent joint damage may result.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if you develop symptoms of septic arthritis.

 

Prevention

 

Preventive (prophylactic) antibiotics may be helpful for people at high risk.

 

 

References

Cook PP, Siraj DS. Bacterial arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, et al., eds. Kelly's Textbook of Rheumotology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 109.

Krogstad P. Septic arthritis. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 56.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Septic arthritis

               

                 

                Review Date: 5/1/2015

                Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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