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Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection.
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause septic arthritis, a serious joint infection that causes inflammation, discomfort, and potentially even joint destruction. It primarily affects big joints like the knee, hip, and shoulder, although it can also affect minor joints. The infection usually originates when germs enter the joint via the bloodstream, a neighbouring illness, or after trauma or surgery.
Septic arthritis symptoms include acute joint pain, oedema, redness, and warmth. The affected area may be highly tender, making movement uncomfortable. Other typical systemic symptoms include fever, chills, and weariness. Without timely treatment, septic arthritis can cause irreparable damage to the joint, resulting in long-term disability.
Septic arthritis risk factors include impaired immune systems (as a result of diabetes or HIV), joint disorders such as osteoarthritis, recent joint surgery or damage, and intravenous drug use. Joint fluid aspiration, which involves analysing a sample of synovial fluid for the presence of infection, makes the diagnosis.
In most cases, treatment requires intravenous antibiotics or antifungal drugs, as well as surgery to drain the infected joint. Early management is critical for avoiding lasting joint injury and ensuring a better prognosis.