Key Features
. Presentation: Typically presents as painful monoarthritis, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint. Symptoms include fever, swelling, limited movement, and warmth over the affected joint.
. Risk Factors: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, steroid use, and HIV are significant predisposing factors.
Causative Organisms
. Staphylococcus aureus: Most common overall causative agent.
. Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Common in sexually active young adults.
Diagnostic Approach
. Synovial Fluid Analysis: Aspiration and culture are critical for diagnosis.
. Blood Culture: Helps identify the causative organism.
Management
Antibiotics
. Flucloxacillin: First-line treatment for suspected cases, especially for Staphylococcus infections.
. Clindamycin: Used if the patient is allergic to penicillin.
. Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone: Recommended if Neisseria gonorrhoeae or other organisms are suspected.
. Surgical Intervention: Repeated percutaneous aspiration may be necessary if not responding to initial treatments.
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