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Bacterial Arthritis (Septic Arthritis)

Basics

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Definition

Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial infection other than gonorrhea (joint infection due to gonorrhea has different symptoms).

Symptoms

Symptoms usually come on quickly, with joint swelling, intense joint pain, and low-grade fever.

Symptoms in newborns or infants:

  • Cries when infected joint is moved (example: diaper change causes crying if hip joint is infected)
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Unable to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)

Symptoms in children and adults:

  • Inability to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)
  • Intense joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint redness
  • Low-grade fever

Chills may occur, but are uncommon.

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