A 36-year-old member asked:
what is the treatment for septic arthritis?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
See below: The treatment for a septic joint is usually IV antibiotics as well as drainage of the knee infection and sometimes a treatment called lavage to clean out the infection in the joint.
5822 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Goldman answered
Rheumatology 55 years experience
Antibiotics, surgery: Treatment is to cure the infection. This is that with antibiotics. Surgical drainage may also be needed. This can be by needle aspiration recurrent draining, arthroscopic drainage or opening an infected joint and removing the infection.
5736 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
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A 35-year-old member asked:
Is septic arthritis curable?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lea Danielsen answered
Family Medicine 32 years experience
It is an infection: Basically yes. It is a bacterial infection so antibiotics are important. The joint is infected it has to be surgically drained as well for the joint to heal. Often the joint destruction however leaves the joint permanently not working as well as it was before the infection. The worse the joint was at the time it was drained, the more permanent problems from the joint.
6026 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Any long term effect from septic arthritis?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Namey answered
Rheumatology 48 years experience
Several.: If the diagnosis is delayed by two weeks, structural damage will occur to the joint. To get septic arthritis, one must have another site infected, spreading to the joint with blood flow. Only other ways are from a contiguous infection (bone, skin, etc.) or direct penetration of the joint. Early DX and effective antibiotic rx is most important!
5900 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What are the chances of septic arthritis recurring?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Namey answered
Rheumatology 48 years experience
Depends...: If incompletely treated, it can recur. If adjacent bone is infected it will recur. And if their is a "foreign body" in your joint, it is more likely to recur. This includes artificial joints!
5900 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
What are the tests for septic arthritis?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Leland answered
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery 31 years experience
Labs/joint aspirate: Septic arthritis is a serious problem since bacteria destroy joint cartilage. If concerned you should seek medical attention (primary care or orthopaedic surgeon). Blood work can be suggestive of a diagnosis. A joint aspirate analyzed by the lab is usually diagnostic.
5824 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
My husband has septic arthritis. What are some complications from not receiving treatment?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Larry Lutwick answered
Infectious Disease 49 years experience
Destruction of the..: Joint cartilage can occur.
5480 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jul 31, 2015
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