By: Bertil Hjert
Septic arthritis can be referred to as a type of infection. It is usually a viral infection inside the joint cavity. Septic arthritis is known to be the most dangerous form of acute arthritis. The joint cavity is a sterile space. It contains synovial fluid and a lot of cellular matter such as some of the few white blood cells. The condition is caused in the joint cavity due to the attack of infectious agents that produces arthritis. The bacteria is carried out by the blood stream from an infectious site introduced by a skin lesion that penetrates joint. Septic Arthritis is also known widely as pyogenic arthritis or infectious arthritis. It is a very serious type of infection of the joint. The medical condition is usually considered as a medical emergency as it has the potential to damage the cartilage and bone. It can also create septic shock which is a fatal condition. This disease can strike at any age group. Even infants and children can affect from it. The weight bearing joints including knee is affected in adults. In children, the same disease is caused in hips, shoulders and knees. Here are some of the risk factors associated to septic arthritis: A) Patients with a) Chronic rheumatoid arthritis b) Systematic infections c) Cancer d) Diabetes e) Sickle cell anemia f) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) g) Type IV drug abuses h) Type IV Alcoholics i) Recent joint injury or surgery j) Receiving medicated infections directly to the joint k) Male homosexuals and female homosexuals There are several causes of the disease. It tends to occur only when a certain type of infecting organism, mainly bacteria reaches a joint. The bacteria can easily get in to a joint via the blood stream or the surgery. An injury or injection directly to the joint can also contaminate the joint. B) There are several symptoms. Here are some of the major signs. a) Severe pain b) Swelling in the affected joint with acute pain c) Chills, Fever d) Pain in the join area e) Inability to walk, Loss of function in the joints The doctor will diagnose septic arthritis based on the symptoms. He will carefully check the medical history of the patient and conduct a complete physical examination. A synovial fluid and blood test is also necessary. Once the area is numbed, the doctor will withdraw a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint. The fluid is thereafter tested for white blood cells, bacteria and other organisms. The condition can be improved if diagnosed quickly and the treatment is started soon. One may also do a lot of things to prevent this condition from occurring such as visiting doctor on a regular basis and getting adept treatment as soon as the condition is diagnosed. Remember that immediate treatment is necessary in case of septic arthritis to make sure that adept treatment is provided.
