Septic arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus

It is the inflammation of a joint caused by the infection of a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus). The knee is the most frequently affected joint. Predisposing factors are: advanced age, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and a joint prosthesis.

Generally the entry point of infection is the skin, a dental infection or a cardiac infection (endocarditis), eventually infecting the joint through the blood.

It manifests with pain, swelling and heat on palpation of the joint. In many cases it is accompanied by restriction of movement and fever.

 It is diagnosed by clinical history, physical examination and joint fluid sampling.

It is treated with intravenous antibiotics and analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Arthroscopy or surgery may be necessary to remove the pus from the joint.