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Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection in a joint. The joint is often red, hot, swollen, and tender.

The joint may become infected with bacteria after an injury or surgery. Also, an infection from somewhere else in the body may travel through the bloodstream to the joint.

Early treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent permanent damage to the joint. Surgery is sometimes needed to clean the joint and repair any damage.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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