26 July 2023
Septic Arthritis is a serious infection which can affect one or more of your joints. Although rare, studies have seen that incidences of septic arthritis have increased by 43% in recent years. If treated promptly, Septic Arthritis has a good chance of being fully cured without causing ongoing problems. However, delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in the infection quickly destroying parts of the joint and it can even become life threatening in some cases if septicaemia develops.
Williamsons Solicitors are currently supporting an individual in respect of a claim related to delay in diagnosis and treatment of Septic arthritis in the shoulder. The client has been left with a very poor outcome as a result of the delays, having suffered destruction of the joint, resulting in pain and limitation of movement. Williamsons have been able to secure admissions on the client’s behalf with the Hospital Trust accepting that they should have provided treatment sooner.
Mostly commonly, Septic Arthritis is caused through bacteria entering the bloodstream which travels to the joint through an infection from anywhere in the body. Bacteria may also enter the bloodstream as a result of an open wound or a urinary tract infection (UTI) and whilst an uncommon complication, Septic Arthritis may also be caused through a direct spread of osteomyelitis (which is an inflammation of a bone due to infection) in the adjacent area. It can also be caused by surgery in or near a joint, such as joint replacement surgery.
Septic Arthritis can affect anyone regardless of age or gender, although there is research highlighting that the condition is more common in children and older adults. You are also more at risk if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, have a weakened immune system, have recently had joint surgery or if you have an artificial joint.
Whilst typically Septic Arthritis affects larger joints of the body, including knees, hips, and shoulders, it can affect any joint in the body and even artificial joints are at risk of Septic Arthritis, but this is generally at a lower chance and the symptoms may not be as severe and quick developing. Normally, Septic Arthritis will only affect one joint but in about 20% of cases, the infection can spread through the blood stream from one joint to other joints.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis
Symptoms of Septic Arthritis usually develop rapidly; the main symptoms of septic arthritis are:
- Severe pain in the affected joint
- Deceased or limited range of movement
- Swelling, tenderness and redness of the joint
- General feeling of unwell with a temperature
Other symptoms may include being lethargic, general weakness and headaches. Research into Septic Arthritis has identified that individuals with pre-existing arthritis in joints may be especially prone to Septic Arthritis, but their symptoms may display as a flare up of existing condition.
It is crucial that Septic Arthritis is diagnosed quickly and treatment started at the earliest opportunity to attempt to avoid lasting damage. Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis is typically through blood tests to check for increased white blood cells count which would be a sign of inflammation or severe infection within the body. Other methods of diagnosis which may help to confirm Septic Arthritis is through x-ray of joint to rule out other causes and ultrasound and/or other imaging. It is important that specific testing by blood works or joint aspiration are used to identify the bacteria which is causing the infection in order that the correct course of treatment can be administered to the infection experienced.
Treatment for Septic Arthritis should commence as soon as possible with antibiotics at first which would be administered straight into the bloodstream. In order to prevent damage to the joint, the infected fluid surrounding the joint may be drained, sometimes several times. Antibiotics tablets will also be prescribed for continued treatment after discharge from hospital. Many individuals who have been diagnosed with Septic Arthritis will also need to partake in physiotherapy after the infection has begun to settle in order to get the joint moving.
If you or any of your family members have suffered a delayed diagnosis of Septic Arthritis and would like to discuss how our experienced team can assist, please contact Williamsons Solicitors on 01482 323697.
