Septic arthritis is a joint infection that causes severe pain and discomfort. This condition can occur when germs spread through the bloodstream from another part of the body. In addition, septic arthritis may develop when an injury that penetrates the skin—such as an animal bite or trauma—allows bacteria to enter the joint directly.
There are various risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing septic arthritis, including a history of joint disease and the use of artificial or prosthetic joints. The knee is the most commonly affected joint, although the infection can also involve the hips, shoulders, and other joints.
Joint infections can rapidly damage bone and cartilage, which acts as a cushion between bones. For this reason, septic arthritis requires prompt medical treatment. Management typically includes draining infected joint fluid using a needle or through surgery, along with antibiotic therapy to control the infection.
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What Causes Septic Arthritis?
Septic arthritis occurs when an infection enters the joint. The infection may be caused by bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. In most cases, the infection begins in another part of the body and then spreads to the joint through the bloodstream. More specifically, the following microorganisms are known to cause septic arthritis:
- Staphylococcus aureus: This bacterium, commonly known as staph, is the most frequent cause of septic arthritis in both children and adults.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics. The risk of MRSA-related septic arthritis is higher in people who use intravenous drugs, individuals with HIV, and patients with diabetes.
- Group A and B Streptococci: Streptococci are a group of bacteria that can cause septic arthritis, particularly in older adults and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and liver cirrhosis.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This bacterium causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. In some cases, gonorrhea can progress to gonococcal arthritis, a form of septic arthritis.
- Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcus): This bacterium is best known as a cause of meningitis. Although rare, meningococcal infections can also lead to septic arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Septic Arthritis?
Symptoms of septic arthritis often develop rapidly and may include:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected joint
- Swelling and warmth around the joint
- Limited range of joint motion
- Reluctance or inability to move the affected joint
- Fever
Without prompt treatment, septic arthritis can result in severe and permanent joint damage.
How Serious Is Septic Arthritis?
Although septic arthritis is relatively rare, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Joint infections can cause permanent damage to the affected joint and lead to various complications if not treated promptly.
In severe cases, septic arthritis may even be fatal without proper medical care. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or visit the nearest hospital immediately if you experience symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis.
Treatment for Septic Arthritis
Treatment for septic arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. Common treatment approaches include:
- Surgery: In many cases, surgical removal of inflamed or infected tissue is required, along with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Antibiotics: All cases of septic arthritis require antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics may be administered intravenously and/or orally, depending on the cause of infection and the patient’s condition.
- Joint fluid drainage: Infected joint fluid may be drained using a fine needle (joint aspiration). This procedure may need to be repeated during recovery.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is often necessary to restore joint function and prevent weakening of the surrounding muscles.
- Removal of an artificial joint: If septic arthritis affects a prosthetic joint, the artificial joint usually needs to be removed and temporarily replaced with a joint spacer made of antibiotic cement. After several months, a new prosthetic joint can be implanted.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time from septic arthritis varies depending on the cause of infection and the patient’s overall health. Most patients require antibiotic treatment for several weeks. Recovery may take longer if the infection has caused damage to the joint and surrounding soft tissues.
Can Septic Arthritis Resolve on Its Own?
Septic arthritis cannot heal on its own because it is an infectious condition. Bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment. If you experience signs and symptoms of septic arthritis, seek medical attention immediately. Without proper treatment, septic arthritis can lead to serious complications and may be life-threatening.
Orthopedic Specialists for Septic Arthritis at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
RS Mandaya Royal Puri has a comprehensive orthopedic center supported by a team of highly experienced orthopedic specialists with subspecialties in hip and knee conditions who are qualified to treat septic arthritis, including:
1. dr. Ardi Setiawan, Sp.OT (K) Hip & Knee
dr. Ardi Setiawan is a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee disorders. He completed his medical and orthopedic training at Universitas Padjadjaran and pursued advanced training in Adult Reconstruction, Trauma, and Sports Injuries (K-Hip & Knee).
In clinical practice, dr. Ardi treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including knee injuries, ACL tears, arthroscopic procedures, joint lubrication injections, meniscus surgery, and knee replacement procedures such as Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA).
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Monday: 3:00–6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 3:00–5:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00–5:00 PM
2. dr. Paulus Ronald Hibono, Sp.OT (K) Hip & Knee
dr. Paulus Ronald Hibono is a hip and knee subspecialist with particular expertise in robotic-assisted knee replacement using CORI technology. He is also experienced in treating ACL injuries, knee cysts, osteoarthritis, meniscal tears via arthroscopy, and fractures.
He is the only doctor from Indonesia to participate in the CORI Robotic Summit in Germany, earning international recognition as a knee robotics specialist.
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Monday: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00–8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 2:00–5:00 PM
- Thursday: 2:00–5:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00–8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
3. dr. Rahendra Pratama, Sp.OT (K) Hip & Knee
dr. Rahendra Pratama is a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee conditions. He completed his medical degree at Universitas Trisakti and his orthopedic and traumatology training at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
He has extensive experience in managing osteoarthritis, knee cysts, nerve compression, ACL injuries, meniscal arthroscopy, TKR and UKA procedures, and fracture cases.
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00–11:00 AM
4. dr. William Chandra, Sp.OT (K) Hip & Knee
dr. William Chandra is a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee disorders, including osteoarthritis, knee cysts, nerve compression, ACL injuries, and knee replacement surgery (TKR and UKA).
In addition to his education in Indonesia, he completed an international fellowship in Sports and Adult Reconstruction at Kreisklinikum Siegen, Germany, enhancing his expertise in managing complex orthopedic cases.
Practice schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Monday: 4:00–7:00 PM
- Thursday: 4:00–7:00 PM
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