Infection in the joints known as septic arthritis is one of the many causes of joint pain. It is the most rapid and destructive joint disease. In general population, 2-10 in every 100000 people suffer from septic arthritis but it increases to 30-70 per 100000 people if the joints are already affected due to other disease conditions e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc.
A picture of left knee septic arthritis source
A joint can be infected with different types of bacteria notably staphylococcus aureus in any adult but more in the people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes mellitus. Sexually active person is infected with gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Septic arthritis in a patient suffering from untreated gonorrhoea may be as a part of a condition known as Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). Some bacteria particularly infect elderly people and intravenous drug users.
The bacteria may enter into a joint space from blood stream from a primary source such as skin or upper airway infections. After any penetrating wounds in the joint a bacteria may get entry to cause the disease.
A septic arthritis may present with acute red, painful joints with fever. A single or multiple joints may be involved. Any joints in the body can be affected but joints in the lower limbs specially hip and knee joints are prone to be infected.
Septic joints bring a significant morbidity. Despite of advancement in the antibacterial agents the morality rate is still as high as 10%. The elderly people are at higher risk for mortality.
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