Rapid Review: Septic Arthritis

Septic Arthritis

• Patient will be complaining of fever, monoarticular pain with decreased ROM
• Labs will show WBC > 50,000 with > 75% PMNs
• Diagnosis is made by arthrocentesis
• Most commonly caused by:
  • Age < 35: N. gonorrhea, S. aureus overall
• Treatment is IV ABX, surgical washout

Sample question:

A 23-year-old man with a history of intravenous heroin use presents to the emergency department with a painful left hip that is preventing him from walking. He denies injury. Physical exam reveals a swollen and erythematous left hip that is tender to palpation. His temperature is 102.2°F. What is the most likely causative pathogen?