Septic Arthritis (cont.)
Who is at risk of developing septic arthritis?
While joint infection occasionally affects people with no known predisposing
risk factors, it more commonly occurs when certain risk situations are present.
Risks for the development of septic arthritis include taking medications that
suppress the immune system, intravenous drug abuse, past joint disease, injury,
or surgery, and underlying medical illnesses including diabetes, alcoholism,
sickle cell disease, rheumatic diseases, and immune deficiency disorders.
People with any of these conditions who develop symptoms of septic arthritis
should promptly seek medical attention.
What are symptoms and signs of septic arthritis?
Symptoms of septic arthritis include fever, chills, as well as joint pain,
swelling, redness, stiffness, and warmth. Joints most commonly involved are
large joints, such as the knees, ankles, hips, and elbows. In people with risk
factors for joint infection, unusual joints can be infected, including the joint
where the collar bone (clavicle) meets the breastbone (sternum). With uncommon
microbes, such as Brucella spp., atypical joints can be infected, such as the
sacroiliac joints.
How is septic arthritis diagnosed?
Septic arthritis is diagnosed by identifying infected joint fluid. Joint
fluid can easily be removed sterilely in the office, clinic, or hospital with a
needle and syringe. The fluid is analyzed in a laboratory to determine if there
is an elevated number of white blood cells to suggest inflammation. A culture of
the joint fluid can identify the particular microbe and determine its
susceptibility to a variety of antibiotics.
X-ray studies of the joint can be helpful to detect injury of bone adjacent
to the joint. MRI scanning is very sensitive in evaluating joint destruction.
Blood tests are frequently used to detect and monitor inflammation. These tests
include the white blood cell count, sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein.
Next: How is septic arthritis treated? »
- Sedimentation Rate - Learn more about sedimentation rate, including a description of the test, how it is performed, and normal rate measurements.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- Arthroscopy - Read about arthroscopy, a procedure with few complications that uses a tube-like device to examine, diagnose and treat a joint (knee, hip, wrist, shoulder, ankle, jaw).
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