Description
An infection of the knee 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. Previous joint surgery ora depressed immune system increase the risk of the disorder.
Symptoms
Joint swelling, intense joint pain, fever, joint swelling, joint redness, unable to move the affected leg.
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
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
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.