Septic arthritis: current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm

To propose and discuss an evidence-based algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial septic arthritis. Also, to review the recent literature on emerging management strategies and discuss the potential impact of these developments on clinical practice.

Evidence-based guidelines have recently been published to assist in the diagnosis and management of suspected and confirmed septic arthritis. All suspected septic joints should be aspirated and the synovial fluid examined by microscopy for the presence of crystals and microorganisms. There is controversy surrounding the diagnostic utility of quantifying the synovial fluid white cell count, with two recent systematic reviews reaching opposite conclusions. The emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens has led to a search for alternative antimicrobial agents such as linezolid. Studies in animals and children have suggested that corticosteroid therapy may be a useful adjunct to conventional antibiotic therapy. Research using experimental murine models of septic arthritis is also generating novel immunotherapeutic targets as potential adjuncts to antibiotic regimens.

There is a striking paucity of high-quality evidence upon which to base guidelines on the management of the hot-swollen joint. Ultimately, the diagnosis of septic arthritis rests on the opinion of a clinician experienced in the assessment of musculoskeletal disease. Future research may provide alternative investigative and treatment strategies to improve the accuracy of diagnosis as well as the outcome in this group of patients.