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Septic Arthritis


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is septic arthritis? " � Septic arthritis is a condition that causes a painful, swollen, and fluid-filled joint. Septic arthritis is caused by an infection in the joint. This infection is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by other germs. The bacteria get into the joint in different ways. Most often, the bacteria travel to the joint through the blood from another part of the body. � �
Septic arthritis sometimes leads to joint damage and long-term joint problems. � �
What are the symptoms of septic arthritis? " � Symptoms usually start suddenly and can include: � �
  • Joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Warm skin around the joint
  • Trouble moving the joint
  • Fever

Septic arthritis usually affects only one joint, but sometimes it affects more than one joint. Joints commonly involved are the knee, wrist, ankle, and hip. � �
Is there a test for septic arthritis? " � Yes. Tests for septic arthritis include: � �
  • Lab tests on a sample of fluid from the joint " � Usually, the doctor can use a needle and syringe to get a sample of fluid. But sometimes the doctor has to do surgery to get a sample of fluid. The fluid sample is sent to a lab for tests.
  • Blood tests, called "blood cultures, " � to check for bacteria in the blood
  • An X-ray of the joint

How is septic arthritis treated? " � Treatment for septic arthritis involves both: � �
  • Antibiotic medicines " � These medicines kill the germs that are causing the infection. People usually get these medicines in their vein through a tube called an "IV. " �
  • Draining the fluid from the joint " � Doctors can drain the fluid in different ways, depending on which joint is involved. Many times, they can use a needle and syringe to drain the fluid. But sometimes they need to do surgery to drain the fluid. If your joint keeps filling up with fluid, you might need to have the fluid drained more than once.

Your doctor might also have you work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). The physical therapist can show you exercises to prevent joint problems and keep your joint from getting too stiff. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83255 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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