Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate priorities
Time critical stabilization
Escalate to resuscitation bay for hypotension or altered mental status
Sepsis protocol if suspected systemic infection
If airway compromise, then airway management
Post intubation sedation and analgesia to target comfort
If shock, then IV crystalloid bolus 20-30 mL/kg
Norepinephrine infusion if MAP < 65 mmHg after fluids
Pain control plan prior to joint procedures
If severe pain, then IV opioid titration with monitoring
Early diagnostic and source control plan
Arthrocentesis priority before antibiotics when feasible
If unstable or high sepsis risk, then antibiotics not delayed for aspiration
Blood cultures x2 before antibiotics if feasible
If antibiotics already given, then still obtain cultures
Early orthopedic consultation for suspected septic joint
Immediate consultation for hip, shoulder, prosthetic joint, or rapid clinical decline
Key concepts
Septic arthritis as joint space infection with rapid cartilage destruction
Irreversible damage possible within 24-48 hours without drainage and antibiotics
Diagnosis anchored on synovial fluid studies
Culture as definitive test
Drainage as essential therapy
Repeated aspiration vs arthroscopic or open washout based on joint and response
Red flags and escalation
High risk features
Hemodynamic instability
Lactate elevation or rising trend
Hip involvement
Limited range of motion with inability to bear weight
Immunocompromised state
Neutropenia or high dose steroids or transplant
Prosthetic joint
Early postoperative infection concern
Overlying cellulitis with systemic signs
Necrotizing infection concern if pain out of proportion
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.