Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is an uncommon yet serious condition that can severely affect the joints. It is also termed infectious arthritis, as it occurs when an infection spreads to one or more joints, leading to inflammation.
Moreover, this inflammation affects the connective tissue that lines the surface of the cartilage covering the joint, as well as the synovial fluid that lubricates it. The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which typically originate from other parts of the body and spread to the joint through the bloodstream.
Additionally, larger joints like the hip and knee are most commonly affected. However, septic arthritis may also spread to the ankle or shoulder joints.
Arthritis can treat various types of joint inflammation. Some of the common type of arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout
Arthritis can hit any age of the people, it is not mandatory that it only affects older people. To be true, children and adults are more affected with arthritis than older people.
Causes of septic arthritis
Main cause of infection are bacteria, infection or fungi that can affect the joint. Different types that can cause septic arthritis include:
- Staphylococcus aureus: This is one of the most common infections that cause skin infection.
- Haemophilus influenza: Bacteria that infect the larynx, trachea, or bronchi.
- Gram negative bacilli: A group of bacteria that can include E. Coli.
- Streptococci: This is a commonly affected bacteria that contains a group of bacteria that can be the reason for disease.
- Gonococci: Bacteria that is the reason for gonorrhea.
- Viruses: This can cause viruses like HIV, infect the joints and can affect any age of the people.
Bacteria that are very common and can affect the person easy by entering into the body through various includes:
- An infected wound
- Skin that is injured or not healed properly
- Outer objects that enter through skin
- Infection that spreads quickly through skin and genitals
- Open fracture
Symptoms of septic arthritis
Some of the common symptoms of septic arthritis include:
- High fever
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint.
- Swelling or feeling heat in the affected joint.
- Experiencing pain and stiffness in the joint
- Unable to use the affected joint
Risk for septic arthritis
Some of the common risk for septic arthritis include
- Osteoarthritis
- Previous history of septic arthritis
- IV (intravenous) drug use
- A systemic blood borne infection
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Some other factors that may increase the chance of septic arthritis include:
- Alcoholism
- HIV
- Diabetes
- Lung disorder
- Lever disorder
- Old age
- Suppressed immune system.
Serious complications associated with septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a serious condition. Some of the major complications that can occur in septic arthritis includes:
- Chronic pain
- Difference in leg length
- Osteonecrosis ( bone tissue that dies due to low or no blood flow)
- Osteomyelitis( swelling or inflammation in the bone)
- Sepsis ( easily spread inflammation in the body)
- Death
Cost of Septic arthritis in India
The cost of Septic arthritis in India varies based on factors like the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, the type of surgery, and more.
India is also one of the leading countries making great progress in medical treatments, offering high-quality care to patients from all over the world.
Additionally, the top orthopedic hospitals in India focus on providing the best treatment with complete transparency and attention to detail.
Summary
Septic arthritis is an uncommon yet serious condition that can severely affect the joints.
The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which typically originate from other parts of the body and spread to the joint through the bloodstream.
Additionally, larger joints like the hip and knee are most commonly affected. However, septic arthritis may also spread to the ankle or shoulder joints.
