DIAGNOSIS
To avoid further severe infections and complications, early diagnosis is needed to identify the appropriate treatments.
Here are some tests that are used to diagnose purulent arthritis:
- Laboratory tests.It is necessary to rule out other conditions which may have similar symptoms of purulent arthritis.
- Arthroscopy.This is performed to look at the status of the joints and to evaluate the extent of damage done to the joint.
- Radiography.X-rays, MRI and CT scans can look at the affected joint.
TREATMENT
The main purpose of treating purulent arthritis is to:
- Eliminate the bacteria causing the infection
- Reducing swelling and inflammation
- Reduction of pain
- Preservation and restoration of the functionality of the limb
Antibiotics are used to eliminate the offending bacteria that is causing the infection. These include:
Steroid therapy is used to control inflammation
The discharge that gets accumulated in the joint cavity is removed from the body.
Here are the other treatments:
- Physical therapy.It is recommended after the infection is This treatment will start with exercises that regain strength and mobility of the affected extremity. If you are treated for purulent arthritis,you will also undergo massage, electrophoresis and phonophoresis, as well as mobility exercises to improve range of motion.
- This is the last resort to treat purulent arthritis when there is no improvement with the other treatments
- All the pus which has been accumulated in the joint is removed, the cavity is then cleaned with antiseptics, and antibiotics are injected.
