Bacterial Arthritis (Septic Arthritis)
Definition
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial infection other than gonorrhea (joint infection due to gonorrhea has different symptoms).
Symptoms
Symptoms usually come on quickly, with joint swelling, intense joint pain, and low-grade fever.
Symptoms in newborns or infants:
* Cries when infected joint is moved (example: diaper change causes crying if hip joint is infected)
* Irritability
* Fever
* Unable to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)
Symptoms in children and adults:
* Inability to move the limb with the infected joint (pseudoparalysis)
* Intense joint pain
* Joint swelling
* Joint redness
* Low-grade fever
Chills may occur, but are uncommon.
