A sample of synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the joints) may be removed from the arthritic joint. Studies of synovial fluid are essential to determine whether a person has septic arthritis.
Spinal Tap
The healthcare provider may do a spinal tap if he or she suspects the person has an H. influenzae infection. There is an increased risk of meningitis associated with such infections.
Ruling Out Other Medical Conditions
Before making a septic arthritis diagnosis, the healthcare provider will also consider other conditions that share a number of symptoms with septic arthritis. Some of these conditions include:
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