18th January 2024

Management

Septic arthritis may be managed by the rheumatology or orthopaedic teams according to local trust policies. However, in the case of prosthetic joint infections, the orthopaedics team ought to be involved.

The mainstay of treatment is a prolonged course of antibiotics, initially intravenous for at least two weeks, followed by 2-4 weeks of oral antibiotics. The most common organisms are covered by Flucloxacillin, and therefore, this is usually used as empirical treatment (Clindamycin if penicillin allergic). In some cases, a surgical joint washout will be needed.