Septic arthritis is a serious infection of the joints. It causes pain, fever, chills, inflammation, and swelling in one or more joints. It may be called bacterial, infectious, pyogenic, or non-gonococcal septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is not as common as some of the other types of arthritis. However, it needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly because it can destroy joints in a short time.
Bacteria from another infection in the body usually cause septic arthritis. The bacteria spread to the joint through the blood. Septic arthritis may also be caused by an injury or after surgery to a joint. Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, can also cause septic arthritis.
Anyone can get septic arthritis, though it is more common in people over 80, and in children under 3 years of age. You are more likely to get septic arthritis if you have:
Intravenous drug users are also at higher risk for this disease. If you are at risk for septic arthritis, you may need to take antibiotics before having dental work. Ask your health care provider about this.
The first symptoms of septic arthritis are a swollen, red, and painful joint. You may also have fever. You may not want to move the joint because of the pain and swelling. The knees are most often affected.
Septic arthritis is considered an urgent medical condition. If you have symptoms of septic arthritis, see a health care provider immediately. If treatment is delayed, permanent joint damage may occur.
Your health care provider will review your medical history and examine you. Your provider may also order blood tests and x-rays. A sample of fluid in the joint may be taken with a needle. Fluid will be tested to see what type of bacteria is causing the problem.
You will need to be treated in the hospital at first. The joint must be drained often, usually using a needle. For severe septic arthritis, you may need to have surgery to drain the joint and clean it out with sterile liquids. The joint will be immobilized. Warm compresses may be used to help with the pain.
Antibiotics may be necessary for 3 to 6 weeks. Physical therapy is usually started as soon as you can move the joint. The outcome of septic arthritis is usually good when treated as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File BJM3233F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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