All::Rheumatology::Diseases::Septic arthritis
Intro
What is the most common organism causing septic arthritis in adults?
Staphylococcus aureus.
What is the most common organism in sexually active young adults with septic arthritis?
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (disseminated gonococcal infection).
What is the most common cause of septic arthritis in adults through hematogenous spread?
Distant bacterial infections, such as abscesses.
What is the most common location of septic arthritis in adults?
The knee.
What are common features of septic arthritis?
Acute, swollen joint; restricted movement in 80% of patients; warm to touch/fluctuant on examination.
What investigations are essential for suspected septic arthritis?
Synovial fluid sampling (prior to antibiotic administration), blood cultures, joint imaging.
What is the recommended management for septic arthritis?
Intravenous antibiotics covering Gram-positive cocci (e.g., flucloxacillin or clindamycin), needle aspiration for joint decompression, arthroscopic lavage may be required, antibiotic treatment for several weeks with a switch to oral antibiotics after 2 weeks.