Septic Arthritis

Question 1

Tell me about septic arthritis

Answer 1

It should be consdered in any acutely inflamed joint

The knee is affected >50% of the time

Question 2

Why should septic arthritis be considered in every acutely inflamed joint

Answer 2

Because it can damage the joint within 24 hours of onset

Question 3

What are the risk factors for septic arthritis

Answer 3

Age >80yrs

Pre-existing joint disease (Especially RA)

DM

Immunosupression

Chronic renal failure

recent joint surgery

prosthetic joints (Difficult to treat)

IV drug use

Question 4

What is the key investigation for septic arthritis

Answer 4

urgent needle aspiration of synovial fluid for microscopy and culture

Question 5

Investigation for septic arthritis

Answer 5

Needle aspiration

Plain radiograph

CRP may be normal

Blood culture - positive with bactraemia

Question 6

What do you ask yourself when you see a patient with septic arthritis

Answer 6

Where did the organism come from?

Immunosupresion?

Indwelling IV lines?

Pneumonia?

Question 7

Medicine treatment of septic arthritis

Answer 7

If in doubt start empirical antibiotic treatment after aspiration

If HIV positive look for atypical causes

Ask orthopedics for advice

Question 8

Clinical presentation of septic arthritis

Answer 8

Hot, red, and swollen with pain on rest and movement

Question 9

Picture of septic arthritis

Answer 9

http://o.quizlet.com/CBqu0ncD6nY6JhHR3MfUDA_m.jpg

Question 10

What are the two commonest sites for septic arthritis

Answer 10

Knee and hip

Question 11

What is arthralgia

Answer 11

joint pain