Septic arthritis
Alternate Names : Bacterial arthritis, Non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis
Definition
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial infection other than gonorrhea (joint infection due to gonorrhea has different symptoms).
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Septic arthritis develops when bacteria spread through the bloodstream to a joint. It may also occur when the joint is directly infected with bacteria by an injury or during surgery. The most common sites for this type of infection are the knee and hip. Most cases of acute septic arthritis are caused by organisms such as staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Chronic septic arthritis (which is less common) is caused by organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. The following increase your risk for septic arthritis: - Artificial joint implants
- Bacterial infection elsewhere in your body
- Chronic illness or disease (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle cell disease)
- Intravenous (IV) or injection drug use
- Medications that suppress your immune system
- Recent joint trauma
- Recent joint arthroscopy or other surgery
Septic arthritis may be seen at any age. In children, it occurs most often in those younger than 3 years. The hip is a frequent site of infection in infants. Septic arthritis is uncommon from age 3 to adolescence. Children with septic arthritis are more likely than adults to be infected with group B streptococcus or Haemophilus influenza., if not immunized.
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