Description
An infection of the joint, usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria can enter the joint by traveling through the blood or by direct entrance into the joint from trauma. The infection can cause permanent destruction of the joint if left untreated or can spread to the bloodstream and can be life-threatening. Previous joint surgery, injection drug use, and a depressed immune system increase the risk of the disorder.
Symptoms
Joint swelling, intense joint pain, fever, joint swelling, joint redness, unable to move the limb with the infected joint.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A needle will be inserted into the joint (arthrocentesis), and synovial fluid (joint fluid) will be removed for analysis. Identifying the bacteria in the joint fluid establishes the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, synovial fluid analysis, synovial fluid culture
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A needle will be inserted into the joint (arthrocentesis), and synovial fluid (joint fluid) will be removed for analysis. Identifying the bacteria in the joint fluid establishes the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, synovial fluid analysis, synovial fluid culture
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatry
Treatment
Antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. Further treatment includes frequent joint aspiration to remove the infected fluid and/or surgery to thoroughly clean the joint.