Bone and joint infections

The joint is a common site of musculoskeletal infection in adults. Septic arthritis is the most serious, although not the most frequent, cause of a hot, swollen joint or joints. The diagnosis rests principally on clinical suspicion. Investigation of suspected joint sepsis is urgent in order to avoid significant morbidity and mortality. This review covers the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, investigation and management of native joint sepsis in adults, highlights the gaps in the evidence base regarding its pharmacological management and suggests some areas for future research. It also briefly covers osteomyelitis, which is much more common in young children than adults.