title: A swollen joint: why all the fuss?
abstract: Acute arthritis may be a potential medical emergency. An infected joint causes rapid cartilaginous destruction and risk of future osteoarthritis. Prompt attention to the historical clues and potential causative organisms ensures appropriate therapy. Numerous microbes have been identified as the causative agent in septic arthritis, and various populations have distinct susceptibilities to these specific organisms. One broad classification of septic arthritis is differentiating gonococcal and nongonococcal organisms. This classification is important, as not only do the organisms differ, but the age of the patient and the portal of entry also differ. Aspiration of synovial fluid is paramount for proper diagnosis and management of septic arthritis. In addition, the timely administration of properly chosen antibiotic agents is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Finch University of Health Sciences and the Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: Lori B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000382:microbiology; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents