Septic (infectious) arthritis

Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint (synovial) fluid and joint tissues. The infection usually reaches the joints though the bloodstream, although some joints may become infected due to an injection, surgery, or injury. Different bacteria and viruses can infect a joint and usually are associated with a person's age. The following types of infectious organisms have been associated with septic arthritis:

• Staphylococci (common bacteria that often cause skin infections)
• Haemophilus influenzae (bacteria that can infect the larynx, trachea, and bronchi)
• Gram-negative bacilli (a group of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, or E. coli)
• Gonococci (bacteria that causes gonorrhea)
• Streptococci (a group of bacteria that can lead to a wide variety of diseases)

The most prevalent sites of infection include the following:

• knee
• hip
• ankle
• elbow
• wrist
• shoulder
• pelvis

Most infections affect only one joint.

What causes septic arthritis?

Many different types of bacteria can cause septic arthritis, as noted above. The most common type of bacteria is called Staphylococcus aureus, also referred to as S. aureus.

The bacteria can enter the body in a variety of ways. The most common routes of entry include the following:

• infection that spreads from another source inside the body, such as ear infections (this is the most common source of septic arthritis).
• infected wounds
• open fractures, or bones that penetrate through the skin
• foreign object penetrating the skin
• trauma

What are the symptoms of septic arthritis?

The most common joints affected by septic arthritis are the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The following are the most common symptoms of septic arthritis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• fever
• joint pain, usually severe
• joint swelling
• redness in the affected area
• warmth around the infected area
• limited use of the affected extremity
• guarding or protecting the affected area to prevent it from being touched or looked at
• other symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, sore throat, and/or headache

Symptoms of septic arthritis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is septic arthritis diagnosed?

Prompt diagnosis of septic arthritis is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the joint.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for septic arthritis may include:

• removal of joint fluid - to examine for white blood cells and bacteria.
• blood tests - to detect bacteria.
• phlegm, spinal fluid, and urine tests - to detect bacteria and find the source of infection.
• x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• bone scan - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• radionuclide scans - nuclear scans of various organs to determine blood flow to the organs.

Treatment for septic arthritis:

Specific treatment for septic arthritis will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's overall health and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
• expectation for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Septic arthritis usually requires immediate treatment with antibiotics which can improve symptoms within 48 hours. However, certain infections caused by fungi need treatment with anti-fungal medications, while viral infections usually have to run their course without treatment. To prevent accumulation of pus from the infection, which can damage the joint, pus may be drained with a needle, tube, or surgery. Other treatment may include:

• medications (for pain and fever)
• physical therapy (to maintain muscle strength)
• splinting the joint (to relieve pain)