| disease | Septic Arthritis |
| summary | Septic arthritis is a serious infection of a joint. It is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent joint damage. |
| name | Septic Arthritis |
| type | Infectious Disease |
| classification | Infectious arthritis |
| symptoms | | 1 | Joint pain (often severe) | | 2 | Joint swelling | | 3 | Redness and warmth around the joint | | 4 | Limited range of motion | | 5 | Stiffness | | 6 | Fever | | 7 | Chills | | 8 | Malaise | | 9 | Systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea, vomiting) |
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| signs | | 1 | Warmth and redness of the joint | | 2 | Swelling and tenderness of the joint | | 3 | Limited range of motion | | 4 | Erythema (redness) and increased skin temperature around the joint | | 5 | Possible purulent discharge (pus) from the joint | | 6 | Systemic signs of infection (e.g., fever, tachycardia) | | 7 | Elevated WBC (white blood cell) count | | 8 | Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) | | 9 | Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) |
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| causes | | 1 | Bacterial infection (most common), viral or fungal infection (rare). |
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| detailed etiology pathogenesis | The most common cause is bacterial infection, often from bacteria that normally reside in the skin or gut. Bacteria enter the joint space directly through trauma (e.g., penetrating wound), hematogenously (through the bloodstream), or via extension from adjacent soft-tissue infections. The infection causes inflammation, destruction of cartilage, and erosion of the joint lining. This process can lead to permanent joint damage if not treated promptly. Less frequently, fungal or viral infections can cause similar joint inflammation. |
| investigations | | 1 | Complete Blood Count (CBC): to evaluate white blood cell count and other blood cell parameters. | | 2 | ESR and CRP: to assess inflammatory activity. | | 3 | Arthrocentesis: Aspiration of synovial fluid for microscopic analysis, culture, and gram stain to identify the organism causing the infection. | | 4 | Joint X-rays: to assess joint damage and to look for abnormalities that may suggest infection. | | 5 | Radiography, CT or MRI: to aid in evaluation and possible surgical planning. | | 6 | Blood cultures: important to identify the infecting organism and to guide antimicrobial therapy |
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| treatment options | | 1 | Immediate antibiotic therapy (intravenous): Crucial to initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics as soon as possible to combat the infection. | | 2 | Surgical drainage of the joint (if needed): To remove pus and debris from the joint. | | 3 | Pain management: NSAIDs, and possibly opioids, to control pain and swelling. | | 4 | Physical therapy: to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness. | | 5 | Possible debridement or surgical intervention (e.g., synovectomy): depending on extent of infection and associated damage. |
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| differentials | | 1 | Osteoarthritis | | 2 | Rheumatoid arthritis | | 3 | Gout | | 4 | Pseudogout | | 5 | Trauma to the joint | | 6 | Other inflammatory conditions |
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| prevention | | 1 | Maintain good hygiene to prevent skin infections | | 2 | Prompt treatment of infections (skin, soft tissue) that may lead to joint infection | | 3 | Appropriate management of penetrating trauma to the joints | | 4 | Proper antibiotic use to prevent emergence of antibiotic resistance |
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| prognosis | The prognosis for septic arthritis depends on several factors, including the patient's underlying health, the causative organism, the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, and the extent of joint damage. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential for a good outcome. Untreated, septic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and disability. |
| other important details | | 1 | Risk factors: Immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with HIV, diabetes, or cancer) and those with joint trauma are at higher risk | | 2 | Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications. | | 3 | Infection can spread to other parts of the body |
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