31st May 2024

Diagnosis

Inflammatory markers are often elevated; however, this is not always the case; therefore, there must be a high index of suspicion. Inflammatory markers are more likely to be raised in septic arthritis or prosthetic joint infections, less so in osteomyelitis or spondylodiscitis. Blood cultures may be positive, again more likely in joint infections. Joint aspirate, preferably prior to administration of antibiotics is a key investigation in joint infections, whilst imaging has a more key role in osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis.