Septic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Septic arthritis presents as acute atraumatic joint pain, swelling, and fever.
• Risk factors include advanced age, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, joint surgery, prostheses, skin infections, and immunosuppression.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment lead to significant morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for septic arthritis.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt recognition and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation, risk factors, and diagnostic modalities.
• Discussion of microbiological findings and treatment approaches, including antibiotic selection and duration.

Main Results:

• Physical exam and serum markers (ESR, CRP) are suggestive but nonspecific.
• Synovial fluid analysis is essential for diagnosis.
• Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen, but others exist.
• Oral antibiotics are as effective as intravenous therapy in most cases.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis are vital.
• Synovial fluid studies confirm the diagnosis, guiding empiric antibiotic therapy.
• Oral antibiotics are a viable treatment option, with therapy duration varying from two to six weeks.