Septic arthritis is an inflammatory condition caused by a bacterial infection. This eMedTV article explores the causes and symptoms of septic arthritis and includes information about how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
The causes of septic arthritis involve bacterial infections that develop in one or more joints. This eMedTV Web page discusses the infections that may be septic arthritis causes and lists risk factors for the condition.
Symptoms of septic arthritis may include severe joint pain, swelling in the joint, fever, and chills. This eMedTV article describes septic arthritis symptoms and explains which joints are most likely to be affected by septic arthritis.
Diagnosing septic arthritis usually begins with reviewing the patient's medical history. This eMedTV segment outlines the steps involved in diagnosing septic arthritis, which also may include a physical exam and synovial fluid testing.
Treatment for septic arthritis involves antibiotics. As explained in this section of the eMedTV library, septic arthritis treatment may also involve draining fluid from the joint. Children with septic arthritis often require surgery.
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