Dr. Vinod Dubey

  • Kandivali | Malad | Mira Bhayandar | Thane
  • +91 8108127022 / 6358854077 / 8369338859
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Infections of the joints and bones

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What is septic arthritis?

Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid (also known as synovial fluid) and joint tissues. The infection usually reaches the joints though the bloodstream, although some joints may become infected after surgery or injury of an involved joint, which can expose the joint space to germs or infection.

In rare instances, an infection of the bone can spread to an adjacent joint causing septic arthritis. Bacteria, fungus, or viruses are capable of infecting the joint, although “septic arthritis” is typically used to describe non-viral causes of joint infections, which are usually caused by bacteria.

In most children, septic arthritis only affects one joint in the body. The most common sites for septic arthritis include the:

  • Knee
  • Hip
  • Ankle
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Shoulder
  • Pelvis

Causes

Many different types of bacteria can cause septic arthritis. The type of bacteria depends on the site of infection, age of the patient, and any underlying medical conditions that may make a child more likely to acquire a joint infection. Bacteria most often associated with septic arthritis include, but are not limited to:
  • Staphylococci
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Gram-negative bacilli
  • Streptococci
These bacteria can enter a child’s body in a variety of ways, including:
  • Infection that spreads from another source inside the body, such as a skin or bone infection adjacent to a joint
  • Infected wounds
  • Open fractures, or bones that penetrate through the skin
  • Foreign object penetrating the skin
  • Trauma

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of septic arthritis vary from child to child and may differ depending on which joint is affected, the age of the child, and the type of organism causing the infection.

Septic arthritis typically has a fast onset with symptoms progressing to the point of severe pain and immobility of the affected joint within hours.

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain, usually severe
  • Joint swelling
  • Redness in the area of the affected joint
  • Warmth around the affected joint
  • Limping
  • Refusal to walk or bear weight on the affected joint
  • Limited use of the affected joint
  • Guarding or protecting the affected joint to prevent it from being touched or moved
  • Other symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting, sore throat or headache

Treatment

Specific treatment for septic arthritis will be determined by your child’s doctor based on:

  • Your child’s overall health and medical history
  • The type of bacteria causing the infection, location of infection, and predisposing medical conditions
  • Your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
  • Expectation for the course of the disease
  • Your opinion or preference

Septic arthritis usually requires treatment with antibiotics, which are often given intravenously to ensure prompt response to therapy. Antibiotics are only effective if your child’s condition is caused by a bacteria.

If your child’s infection is caused by fungi, he will need antifungal medications.

If a viral infection caused your child’s septic arthritis, the virus will usually need to run its course without treatment, although medications can be used to help alleviate pain.

In some cases, the infected joint must be drained and cleaned because antibiotics cannot penetrate deep enough into a severely infected joint. This may require drainage by a needle, tube or surgery.

Other symptom-based treatments may include:

  • Medications for pain and fever
  • Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion
  • Splinting the joint to relieve pain

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FAQ'S

What is the basic knowledge of cardiology?

Cardiology is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. Basic knowledge of cardiology includes understanding the anatomy and function of the heart, the various cardiovascular diseases, risk factors for heart disease, diagnostic techniques such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms, treatment options including medications, interventions, and surgeries, and preventive measures to maintain heart health.

What are some good questions to ask a cardiologist?
  • What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my heart health?
  • What are the risk factors for heart disease, and how can I manage them?
  • What symptoms should I be aware of that might indicate a heart problem?
  • What diagnostic tests might be necessary to assess my heart health?
  • What are the treatment options available for my specific condition?
  • Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with the prescribed medications?
  • How often should I have follow-up appointments to monitor my heart health?
  • Are there any specific dietary recommendations I should follow?
  • Can you provide information on cardiac rehabilitation programs?
  • What steps can I take to prevent future heart problems?
What Type of Cardiologist Should You See for Specialized Heart Care?
  1. The type of cardiologist you should see for specialized heart care depends on your specific condition. Here are a few examples:
  • Interventional Cardiologist: Specializes in performing procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and catheter-based treatments for coronary artery disease and other structural heart problems.
  • Electrophysiologist: Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) using techniques like electrophysiology studies and cardiac ablation.
  • Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy Specialist: Specializes in managing heart failure and cardiomyopathy, including the use of advanced therapies like implantable devices or heart transplantation.
  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease Specialist: Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions that were present since birth but persist into adulthood.
  • Cardiovascular Surgeon: Performs surgical procedures on the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, and heart transplantation.
What are the different types of heart disease?
  1. Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrow or blocked due to a buildup of plaque.
  2. Heart failure: This refers to a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can result from various underlying causes such as CAD, high blood pressure, or heart valve disease.
  3. Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms that can occur due to electrical disturbances in the heart. They can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.
  4. Heart valve disease: This condition occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not function properly. It can involve valve stenosis (narrowing) or valve regurgitation (leakage).
  5. Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases of the heart muscle, where the muscle becomes thick, rigid, or weak, affecting the heart’s ability to pump effectively.
  6. Congenital heart disease: This is a type of heart disease that is present at birth. It involves structural defects in the heart that affect its normal function.
  7. Pericardial disease: This involves inflammation or abnormalities of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart.
What are the common symptoms of heart disease?
  1. Chest pain or discomfort (angina): This is a common symptom of coronary artery disease. It may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest.
  2. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially with exertion or when lying flat, can be a sign of heart disease.
  3. Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy, even with minimal physical activity, may be a symptom of heart disease.
  4. Heart palpitations: Sensations of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat may occur with certain heart conditions.
  5. Dizziness or fainting: Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or actually fainting can be a result of inadequate blood flow to the brain due to heart problems.
  6. Swelling: Fluid retention can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.
  7. Rapid weight gain: Sudden and unexplained weight gain may be a sign of fluid buildup related to heart failure.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and some individuals with heart disease may not experience any symptoms until a more advanced stage. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.