What is the recommended treatment for septic arthritis?

Septic arthritis is a medical emergency that involves the infection of a joint, often requiring prompt and aggressive treatment to prevent joint destruction and preserve function. The recommended treatment for septic arthritis includes joint drainage and systemic antibiotics for an appropriate duration, typically around 3 to 4 weeks.

Joint drainage, often performed via arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) or surgical intervention, helps to remove purulent material and reduces intra-articular pressure, providing symptomatic relief and preventing further damage to the joint. Following drainage, systemic antibiotics are crucial for eradicating the underlying infection. The duration of antibiotic therapy is generally based on the severity of the infection, the causative organism, and the patient's clinical response.

While pain management and joint immobilization can be important adjuncts to treatment, they do not address the underlying cause of septic arthritis. Corticosteroids and NSAIDs may help with inflammation but are not appropriate first-line treatments for infections, as they can potentially mask symptoms and hinder the host’s immune response. Physical therapy and rehabilitation typically follow the resolution of the infection and are part of the recovery process rather than the acute treatment of septic arthritis.