How Is Septic Arthritis Treated?
Treatment for
septic arthritis needs to be received as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent joint damage. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics. It may also involve draining the infected joint.
Antibiotics Used to Treat Septic Arthritis
The specific antibiotic the healthcare provider recommends for septic
arthritis treatment will depend on the results of the synovial fluid analysis. If no bacteria are seen in the synovial fluid, the choice of antibiotic will be based on the person's age; certain types of bacteria are more likely to cause septic
arthritis in people belonging to certain age groups.
For example, in infants under one year of age, the most common cause of septic arthritis is
Staphylococcus aureus or Group B Strep.
Haemophilus influenzae and
Staphylococcus aureus are the most common
septic arthritis causes in children younger than five years of age.
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in children age five and older. In cases involving adults, the most common cause of septic arthritis is an infection with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacteria that cause
gonorrhea).
Initially, antibiotics are administered intravenously (through an IV). After a period of time, the healthcare provider will often switch the person to antibiotics taken by mouth. The length of treatment with antibiotics will depend on the specific type of bacteria responsible for the condition. Streptococcal arthritis can usually be cured with antibiotics in 10 to 14 days. Septic arthritis caused by other types of bacteria may require three to six weeks of treatment.
