A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

JOINT INFECTION

How does Joint Infection occur ?

It is unusual for a simple day-to-day infection to spread to a joint: the body destroys most bacteria before they can multiply in the bloodstream. Antibiotics used early in an infection also ensure this. It is the more severe or indolent infections which tend to result in septic arthritis.

Why does Joint Infection occur ?

Some people are more likely to get joint infections those with diabetes mellitus, with AIDS or leukaemia: also those taking drugs which alter the body's immune (defence) responses. This type of drug is used in treating patients who have had organ transplants or who have particularly severe allergic (auto-immune) disorders. A diseased synovial membrane from rheumatoid arthritis, for example, has an increased likelihood of developing septic arthritis. Patients with a blood disorder called sickle cell disease are also more prone to joint infection. Tuberculosis is a rare cause but can easily spread to joints. So can the gonococcus, which is the germ which causes the sexually transmitted disease called gonorrhoea.

Treatment Involved for Joint Infection

It is important to get rid of the infection immediately. Delay may lead to destruction of the joint and blood poisoning (septicaemia). The doctor will try and identify the bacteria causing your infection. This is done by taking blood samples for culturing in the laboratory and taking fluid out of the joint with a syringe and needle for laboratory examination. Once the bacteria have been identified, you will be treated with antibiotics. These are given intravenously in the arm. A small tube (cannula) is put into an arm vein so that a needle is not required each time a dose is given. This makes it far less painful and also more effective. The antibiotics are given three or four times a day for 3 to 4 weeks. This is usually followed by antibiotic tablets for several weeks more to make sure that the infection is totally eradicated. The antibiotic given depends on the type of bacteria. It is important to rest an infected joint. It is often put in a splint and rested from any activity until painfree and no longer swollen. A lot of pus may collect in the infected joint. It is important not to let this build up. The joint will be regularly drained with a needle and syringe and may be washed out with antibiotics (under general anaesthetic).

During Treatment for Joint Infection

As the antibiotics start to work, the redness and swelling will improve after a few days. However, it takes a few weeks for the joint to become clear of infection and the joint often remains painful to move, with a reduced range of movement. Some people are allergic to antibiotics especially penicillin. Other antibiotics which are just as effective are available. You may become allergic to an antibiotic during treatment and develop an itchy rash. The antibiotic will then need to be changed by the doctor.

After Treatment for Joint Infection

A joint infection may be very difficult to cure. It will be necessary to watch for a flare-up of pain and swelling of a joint which would then require a further course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, scar tissue may form in a joint damaged by infection. The joint will not move fully again or it may lead to osteoarthritis, which causes chronic stiffness, swelling and pain.

If Joint Infection is Left Untreated

If left untreated you might develop severe blood poisoning (called septicaemia) and die. This is very rare. However, it is common for the joint to become permanently damaged and become chronically infected if not treated properly. The joint becomes gradually more deformed and useless. Chronic infection would also make you feel unwell and lose weight.