title: Septic arthritis: common pitfalls.
abstract: The diagnosis of suppurative arthritis is a challenging task complicated by many pitfalls. The physician must rely on the basic skills of a history, physical examination, and index of suspicion to properly decipher the differential diagnosis, and the perceptive analysis of laboratory studies is essential. Prompt institution of treatment with antibiotics and effective cleansing of the joint are the key factors in achieving a good result.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Orthopaedic Department, Columbia.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Gainor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male