Surgical emergency: cartilage can be destroyed within 24–48 hours; prompt drainage + antibiotics is critical. Children: hematogenous origin common; hip/knee frequent; Staphylococcus aureus predominant; use Kocher criteria for hip. Adults: knee most common; risks include IVDU, immunosuppression, prosthetic joint; consider gonococcal/septic bursitis mimics. Diagnosis hinges on aspiration (cell count >50,000–100,000 with PMN predominance), Gram stain/culture; CRP/ESR support; ultrasound detects hip effusion in children. Management: urgent arthrotomy/arthroscopy for drainage, empiric IV anti‑staphylococcal coverage tailored to culture, splintage then early mobilization.
What is the most common organism causing septic arthritis in children aged 3 months to 14 years?
Which joint is most commonly affected by septic arthritis in adults?
What is the critical time frame for the onset of irreversible articular cartilage destruction in septic arthritis?
Which of the following factors increases the risk of septic arthritis in adults?
What is the diagnostic criterion for non-weight-bearing in the Kocher criteria for septic arthritis in children?
In a pediatric patient with suspected septic arthritis, which imaging modality is most useful for detecting hip effusion?
Which of the following is a common presentation of gonococcal arthritis in adolescents?
What is the primary method of managing septic arthritis in both children and adults?
What is the main concern regarding the anatomical vulnerability of the pediatric hip in septic arthritis?
Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of septic arthritis?
