Joint infection

Description

Septic arthritis or joint infection, very often caused by bacteria. Bacteria can enter into joint through blood or directly, during the trauma. If not treated, infection can cause permanent joint destruction or can spread into bloodstream, endangering the life. Previous joint surgery, drug injection and weakened immune system increase risk for disease.

Symptoms

Swollen joint, strong pain in joint, high temperature, joint redness, inability to move limb with infected joint.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and medical examination is being done. Arthrocentesis is being performed: synovial (joint) liquid is extracted with the needle for analysis. Identification of bacteria in joint liquid confirms diagnosis.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, MRI, urine analysis and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Hemoculture, synovial liquid analysis, synovial liquid culture.

Specialists

Orthopedy, Podiatry

Therapy

Treatment includes antibiotics. Further treatment means removal of infected liquid from a joint and surgery for cleaning completely the joint.