title: Bacterial arthritis in the elderly.
abstract: The clinical and microbiological features of bacterial arthritis in 21 elderly patients presenting to hospitals in an English health district over the decade 1973-1982 are reviewed. Differences from bacterial arthritis in younger patients include the high prevalence (71%) of underlying joint disease, infections more commonly affecting the hip (38%), absence of constitutional features of toxaemia and delay in diagnosis. Outcome in elderly patients is markedly worse, with an appreciable mortality attributable to the condition.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections; D013396:Suction
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents