SEPTIC ARTHRITIS

acute inflammation of one or more joints, caused by infection. Symptoms and treatment vary with the type of infection. In suppurative arthritis the joints are swollen, feverish, sore, and pus-filled; the condition may occur following infection by such bacteria as Streptococcus hemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococcus, or meningococcus. The pus produced in response to the infection erodes articular cartilages. Since these have almost no regenerative capacity, permanent damage may result if treatment is delayed. Treatment includes antimicrobial drug therapy and drainage and rest of the joint. Nonsuppurative arthritis may accompany many diseases such as tuberculosis, congenital syphilis, gonorrhea, typhoid fever, German measles, fungous infections, or rheumatic fever. Pain on movement, stiffness, and swelling are symptoms; rest, drug therapy, and, in the case of tuberculosis, orthopedic care to prevent skeletal deformity are used in treatment. See also osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis.