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Other Names: Bacterial Arthritis
Septic Arthritis
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Septic arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of a joint
caused by bacteria. The knee and the hip are the most commonly
infected joints.
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- Penetrating wound due to direct trauma or injury.
- Surgical procedures such as arthroscopy.
- Blood borne infection that may be caused by bacteria such as:
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Group B Streptococcus
- Gonococcus
- Haemophilus influenza.
- Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.
- E.coli
- Fungi e.g. Candida albicans
- Chronic illness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sickle cell anemia
- Immuno-suppressant medications
- Intravenous drug abuse
- Cancer chemotherapy
- Artificial joint implant
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- Severe and excruciating joint pain which worsens with joint movement
- Redness and swelling of the affected joint
- Tenderness of the affected joint and bone
- Complete immobility of the affected joint
- Low grade fever accompanied by chills
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weight loss
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If left untreated, septic arthritis can become a chronic infection and spread
to other bones of the body (osteomyelitis), eventually causing permanent joint
degeneration, bone damage and bone death (osteonecrosis). This is a serious
problem and may
require
amputation
of the affected limb. Involvement of the bones of vertebral column may damage
the spinal nerves and even prove fatal. The most common complication of septic
arthritis is osteoarthritis which can be resistant to treatment. Poor
response to treatment may result in difficulty walking, permanent limitation
of movement of the affected joint and possibly shortening of the affected limb.
Chronic infectious draining sites, over many years can evolve into a squamous
cell skin cancer.
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- General Measures
- Rest, splint or cast immobilization and elevation of the effected
joint and limb
- Warm compresses may be used pain
relief.
- Nutritious and balanced diet
- Supplements like calcium, vitamin C, D and E are
beneficial in tissue healing.
- Medications
- Antibiotics may be given intravenously during hospital stay
for the first few weeks followed by oral antibiotics.
- Pain medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)
including aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen can prove to be beneficial in
relieving pain.
- Corticosteroids may be prescribed to subside inflammation in severe
cases
- Drainage
- Accumulated synovial fluid due to excessive formation or pockets of
pus may be aspirated or drained arthroscopically. In severe cases surgical
drainage and debridement of the dead and diseased bone and soft tissues
may be
performed.
- Surgery
- Surgery is usually indicated
if the infection is chronic or if you have metal
plates or artificial
joints. Such surgery
may be followed by a bone or muscle graft to fill in the open space
and promote growth of new tissues.
- Performing stretches and light physical exercises on daily basis
expedites the recovery process and prevents stiffness and atrophy of the
affected joint.
- Prevention
- Clean any wound or penetrating injury thoroughly to prevent the bacteria
from getting into the joint spaces.
- Treat infection of other parts of the body promptly.
- Follow your doctors advice and treatment for chronic illnesses.
- Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics may be helpful for high-risk
people such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer chemotherapy.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis