Septic arthritis

DEFINITION

Septic arthritis is an intensely painful infection in a joint. The joint can become infected with germs that travel through your bloodstream from another part of your body. Septic arthritis can also occur when a penetrating injury brings germs directly into the joint.

Infants and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis. The most common joints affected are the knees and hips. Septic arthritis can quickly and severely damage the cartilage and bone within the joint, so prompt treatment is crucial.

Treatment involves draining the joint with a needle or via an operation. Intravenous antibiotics also may be necessary to stop the infection.

CAUSES

Septic arthritis can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is the most common cause. Staph commonly lives on even healthy skin.

Septic arthritis may develop when an infection elsewhere in your body, such as an upper respiratory tract infection or urinary tract infection, spreads through your bloodstream to a joint. Less commonly, a puncture wound, drug injection or surgery in or near a joint may give the germs a pathway into the joint space.

The lining of your joints (synovium) has little ability to protect itself from infection. Your body’s reaction to the infection — including inflammation that can increase pressure and reduce blood flow within the joint — contributes to the damage.

SYMPTOMS

Septic arthritis typically causes extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint. The joint may be swollen, red and warm, and you might have a fever.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have sudden onset of severe pain in a joint. Prompt treatment may help minimize joint damage.