title: Treatment of septic arthritis. Diagnostic approach and rational use of antibiotics.
abstract: The diagnosis of septic arthritis is best made by aspiration, either needle or arthroscopic, or by open drainage. Accurate clinical and microbiologic diagnoses are essential and dictate specific therapy. Although the exact length of intravenous antibiotic therapy is debatable, it is generally between two and six weeks, depending on the etiologic organism.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis.
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Slama
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins