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 |
| 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 |