Septic Arthritis Causes, Signs And Treatments


by Ray Lam - Date: 2008-07-24 - Word Count: 459 Share This!

Septic arthritis can be referred to as a type of infection. It is usually a viral infection inside the joint cavity. Septic arthritis is known to be the most dangerous form of acute arthritis. The joint cavity is a sterile space. It contains synovial fluid and a lot of cellular matter such as some of the few white blood cells.

On the other hand, 30 to 70 cases of septic arthritis can be seen in a population of 100,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients. A variety of factors can predispose a person to septic arthritis. Any simultaneous presence of bacterial infection such as genitourinary tract or upper respiratory tract infection can increase a person?s vulnerability to septic arthritis. Additionally, serious chronic illnesses including renal failure, malignancy, cirrhosis and diabetes can increase septic arthritis susceptibility. Susceptibility increases with people who have a depressed immune system, or those who have previous immunosuppressive therapy. Accordingly, elderly individuals and alcoholics are also at higher risk of developing septic arthritis. People who are into prolonged use of intravenous drugs, including those who are addicted to heroin, have higher chance of contracting septic arthritis as well.

This type of arthritis can strike people of any age group; even infants can suffer from this disease. When it comes to adults, this disease mainly affects the joints that bear weight such as the knee. In children, the disease mainly attacked the hips, knees and shoulders. When it comes to genre that's at maximum risk to get affected from this disease, male homosexuals and women are the main targets.

Septic Arthritis is also known widely as pyogenic arthritis or infectious arthritis. It is a very serious type of infection of the joint. The medical condition is usually considered as a medical emergency as it has the potential to damage the cartilage and bone. It can also create septic shock which is a fatal condition.

This disease can strike at any age group. Even infants and children can affect from it. The weight bearing joints including knee is affected in adults. In children, the same disease is caused in hips, shoulders and knees.

The doctor will diagnose septic arthritis based on the symptoms. He will carefully check the medical history of the patient and conduct a complete physical examination. A synovial fluid and blood test is also necessary. Once the area is numbed, the doctor will withdraw a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint. The fluid is thereafter tested for white blood cells, bacteria and other organisms. The condition can be improved if diagnosed quickly and the treatment is started soon. One may also do a lot of things to prevent this condition from occurring such as visiting doctor on a regular basis and getting adept treatment as soon as the condition is diagnosed.

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