Infectious (septic) arthritis is inflammation of a joint associated with the presence of microorganisms.
- The synovial membrane is highly vascularized, found in an enclosed space, and has a poor barrier against infectious organisms.
- Infections arthritis presents with pain, swelling, movement restriction, and if left untreated, destruction of the affected joint.
- Classification. The condition can be classified based on the timeframe (acute/chronic), and the type of microorganism (bacterial/fungal/viral).
- Etiology
- Hematogenous (most cases)
- Direct inoculation (injury or iatrogenic)
- Spread from a nearby infection (osteomyelitis)
- Diagnosis
- Blood tests (CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin) and culture
- PCR
- X-ray
- US/CT/MRI (in hard-to-reach