31st May 2024

Presentation

Systemic features tend to include fevers, rigors and malaise. Localised erythema, joint pain and reduced range of movement are found in infected peripheral joints, whilst vertebral infections will cause secondary spinal cord or nerve compression as they progress. Whilst infection can be difficult to diagnose, this difficulty is more pronounced in prosthetic joints. This is because often used markers such as CRP are not sensitive markers for low virulence organisms, whilst swabs from draining sinuses can be difficult to interpret.