Septic Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Septic arthritis is an intensely painful infection in a joint. Infants and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis.

Causes

Septic arthritis is caused by micro-organisms in one or more joints. The synovial fluid does not contain any microbes but in case of septic arthritis there are microbes present in the fluid of the affected joint. Microbes which are responsible for the cause of septic arthritis are bacteria and viruses. The staphylococcus aureus, haemopilus influenza, E.coli and pseudomonas are a few forms of bacteria with a high risk factor. The viruses that can be the cause of septic arthritis are parvovirus B19, HIV, hepatitis A, B and C including herpes viruses and adenovirus.

Some other causes of septic arthritis are circulation of pathogens via wound infections, blood or any other unknown reason, circulation from any adjacent tissue, arrival through penetrating trauma or iatrogenic means. One must be cautious of these causes as they are easily avoidable with a bit of care.

Symptoms

In problems like septic arthritis, the symptoms are extremely easy to perceive such discernible pain in the affected joint. One can experience severe discomfort while using the particular joint. The fluid inside the joint further causes a swelling within the bone. The area is found to be red and warm which is generally associated with fever. It is advised to see a doctor as soon as one experiences severe pain in any joint of the body to avoid further damage.

Treatment

Treatment is always as per the cause and in this case it includes intravenous antibiotics, washout of joint for dryness and analgesia. The course of treatment in the case of acute hematogenous septic arthritis is of 10 days for a pediatric patient. It is safe to create a biofilm in case of prosthetic joint. The biofilm is created on the surface of the prothesis because of its resistance to antibiotics. If surgery is not feasible, then the same course of antibiotics is extended and continued for a long time.

Drainage becomes essential in some severe cases of infection and the process is performed with regular aspirations i.e. a needle with syringe. Arthroscopy can also be used in which irrigation of the joint accompanied by removal of the infected fluid takes place. It is after the efforts of drainage and arthroscopy that opens joint surgery is performed.

There are several complications which one has to consider before treating any injury and in the case of septic arthritis, it is clearing the infection within a considerable time that makes all the difference. To preserve the joint with its proper functioning, it is crucial to operate within the time limit or there may be a loss of functioning. It is clear that if any infection remains in the system for a long time then it can cause permanent loss of the joint. Chances are that the patient may not be able to perform tasks like running, riding etc. even after proper treatment as the joint becomes weak. In short, there aren't too many methods of treatment for this disorder, but the ones which are available are important and can prove effective in many cases.

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