ABSTRACT
Joint pain or swelling may be caused by any of the following broad mechanisms: systemic inflammation; local or systemic infection; degenerative or mechanical factors; and miscellaneous causes. Septic arthritis is the most important diagnosis to make in a timely manner. Acute monoarthritis should be assumed to be due to septic arthritis until proved otherwise. If the patient is septic, circulatory support may be required with fluid resuscitation and possibly inotropes in a high-dependency setting. Early liaison with the orthopaedic team is essential for consideration of joint wash-out in theatre. Following blood cultures and joint aspiration for Gram stain and culture, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be commenced.
