Septic Arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is an infection caused by bacteria, virus, and fungi to one or more joints. Septic arthritis commonly affects a single joint however, there are cases wherein more joints are involved. The joints affected vary somewhat depending on the microbe causing the infection. There are also risk factors for this condition including:
- Patient Taking Immune-Suppression Medicines
- Intravenous Drug Abuse
- Past Joint Disease
- Injury or Surgery
- Underlying Medical Illnesses like Diabetes, Alcoholism, Sickle Cell Disease, Rheumatic Diseases, and Immune Deficiency Disorders.
Infants and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis. The knees are the most common part affected by the infection. However, it may also in other parts such as the hips, shoulders and other joints. Prompt treatment is important to avoid complications.