Pyogenic (Septic) Arthritis

Pyogenic (septic) arthritis is acute bacterial infection of joint (knee/hip/shoulder), presenting with acute monoarthritis: hot/swollen/tender joint, fever, inability to bear weight. Treatment: urgent joint aspiration (Gram stain/culture/cell count); empiric IV antibiotics (anti-staph: nafcillin/oxacillin/vancomycin + anti-strep); adjust by culture; joint drainage (arthroscopic/open washout); treat underlying (bacteremia/endocarditis/diabetes/IV drug use); immobilization; pain control; monitor joint destruction/osteomyelitis; follow-up orthopedics/infectious disease; distinguish from gout/cellulitis/reactive arthritis.

Common Symptoms

Acute hot/swollen/tender joint; fever; monoarthritis; inability to bear weight

Causes and Pathogenesis

Hematogenous seeding (S. aureus/strep) or direct inoculation causes bacterial joint infection.

Treatment

Urgent aspiration/culture; IV antibiotics; joint drainage; treat underlying

Preventive Measures

Treat bacteremia; diabetes control; early joint infection care.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedics/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.