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?
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