Joint Infection (Septic Arthritis)
Joint infection is a condition where disease-causing germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi find their way into one or more joints of the body and eventually lead to the accumulation of pus within the joint. The commonest joint it affects is the knee joint; other joints include the hip, shoulder, ankle, and elbow joints.
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Even though viruses and fungi can cause joint infection, the most common cause of joint infection is bacteria.
Some of the risk factors are:
Injury over the joint; poorly controlled diabetes; alcoholism; sexually transmitted diseases; and intravenous drug abuse.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The main signs and symptoms of joint infection are:
At the joint: there will be pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and loss of function.
Generally: there will be associated fever, headache, loss of appetite, and body weakness.
TREATMENT
The joint infection needs immediate medical attention to prevent irreversible joint damage.
At presentation to the hospital, a needle will be stuck into the joint to withdraw the pus.
Antibiotics and painkillers will be administered to the patient.
However, if complicated, specialist surgery will be required.
COMPLICATION
The main and most feared complication of joint infection is joint damage and stiffness. This entails the partial or complete loss of the use of that joint.
PREVENTION
Some of the preventive modalities include;
The prevention of injuries over joints;
Diabetic patients should be compliant with their medications;
Alcoholics should reduce alcohol consumption;
Intravenous drug abusers should quit; and
Sexually transmitted diseases should be treated promptly
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, joint infection is a very serious disease condition that affects one or more joints of the body. Early presentation to the hospital and prompt management will help to prevent its most feared complication as well as salvage the joint with its important function.
