Septic Arthritis (Native joint)

Septic Arthritis (Native Joint)

Bottom Line

All patients with suspected septic arthritis should undergo arthrocentesis.
Virtually any pathogen can cause septic arthritis
Empiric coverage of MRSA is not required unless the patient has previous MRSA infection or MRSA colonization

Empiric Therapy

Treatment based on Gram stain

If Gram stain shows gram positive cocci: Cefazolin
If Gram stain shows gram negative bacilli: Ceftriaxone
If Gram stain negative but suspicion is still high:

Immunocompetent: Cefazolin
Immunocompromised, injection drug user or trauma: Vancomycin + Ceftazidime

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