Septic Arthritis Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is septic arthritis?
Invasion of joint space by microorganisms, leading to infection.
How can organisms invade the joint in septic arthritis?
Direct inoculation, contiguous spread, or hematogenous spread.
What is the most common causative organism of septic arthritis?
Staphylococcus aureus.
Which organism commonly causes septic arthritis in young sexually active adults?
Gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae).
Which bacteria is associated with septic arthritis in IV drug users?
Staphylococcus epidermidis.
What is the most common route of spread in septic arthritis?
Hematogenous spread.
What is the pathophysiology of septic arthritis?
Bacterial colonization and proliferation in synovial fluid trigger an inflammatory response, causing joint damage.
Which type of septic arthritis is typically more damaging: gonococcal or non-gonococcal?
Non-gonococcal.
What is the most commonly affected joint in septic arthritis?
The knee.
Name three other joints that can be affected in septic arthritis.
Hip, ankles, and wrists.
List three risk factors for septic arthritis.
Trauma, prosthetic joints, and IV drug abuse.
Which systemic conditions increase the risk of septic arthritis?
Diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and immunosuppression (e.g., AIDS).
What are the clinical features of septic arthritis?
Joint pain, swelling, erythema, and possible fever.
What is the first-line investigation for septic arthritis?
Full blood count (FBC).
What findings are seen in synovial fluid analysis in septic arthritis?
Cloudy/purulent fluid, WBC > 75,000/mL, reduced glucose, positive culture.
Which inflammatory markers are elevated in septic arthritis?
ESR and CRP.
What is the first step in pharmacological management of septic arthritis?
Daily arthrocentesis until the joint is dry.
Which class of antibiotics is commonly used in septic arthritis?
IV cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone, cefuroxime).
For how long are IV antibiotics given in septic arthritis?
2–4 weeks.
When is surgical management needed in septic arthritis?
Hip joint involvement, septic arthritis with osteomyelitis, or septic arthritis in a prosthetic joint.
