Infectious Arthritis

Acute septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, suppurative arthritis, or pyogenic arthritis, occurs when a joint is invaded by an infectious agent, leading to inflammation. Common symptoms include redness, warmth, and pain in one joint, along with reduced mobility. The onset is typically sudden. Additional symptoms may involve fever, weakness, and headache. While usually affecting a single joint, multiple joints can be involved, especially in neonates, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. In infants and toddlers, the symptoms can be misleading and resemble other conditions.

Causes of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis typically results from a bacterial infection. The bacteria can infiltrate the joint through several pathways:

• Bloodstream Transmission
  The most common route is through the bloodstream from another infection site in the body.
• Direct Penetration
  This can occur due to procedures such as arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, or from trauma.
• Adjacent Infection
  Less commonly, the infection can spread from nearby bones or tissues affected by conditions like osteomyelitis, septic bursitis, or abscesses.