Özet:

Septic arthritis may represent a direct invasion of joint space by various microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of patients with septic arthritis in our clinic and to discuss the diagnosis, treatment and management. Methods: Thirty-four patients diagnosed with septic arthritis between June 2008 and December 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients, microorganisms causing infection and treatment choice were analyzed. Results: Most patients were male (55.9%) and the average age of the patients was 42.8 (1-87) years. The knee was the most frequently affected joint (91.6%). Fever was present in only 17.6% of the cases. Gram staining was positive in only 17. 6% of the synovial fluid samples analyzed. Among the 34 patients studied, 10 had positive synovial fluid culture (29.4%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. Gram negative staining, absence of fever and normal leukocyte count do not rule out septic arthritis but only reduces the possibility. Samples should be taken prior to antibiotic treatment to avoid false negative detection of positive samples. Serial needle aspiration, drainage and empirical antibiootherapy should be kept in mind in the treatment of septic arthritis.