Septic Arthritis of Native Joints

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2017 Jun;31(2):203-218. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Abstract

Septic arthritis is a rheumatologic emergency that may lead to disability or death. Prompt evacuation of the joint, either by arthrocentesis at the bedside, open or arthroscopic drainage in the operating room, or imaging-guided drainage in the radiology suite, is mandatory. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major cause of septic arthritis in the United States. MRSA joint infection seems to be associated with worse outcomes. Antibiotic courses of 3 to 4 weeks in duration are usually adequate for uncomplicated bacterial arthritis. Treatment duration should be extended to 6 weeks if there is imaging evidence of accompanying osteomyelitis.

Keywords: Arthrocentesis; MRSA; Septic arthritis; Synovial fluid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Infectious* / complications
  • Arthritis, Infectious* / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Infectious* / microbiology
  • Arthritis, Infectious* / therapy
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Joints / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity
  • Osteomyelitis / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Synovial Fluid / cytology
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents