Infections of the knee joint can be a serious problem.
Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, and fevers.
The treatment of aknee infectiondepends on the punch in and location of the infection.
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Septic Joint
Aseptic jointmeans that infection has entered into the joint space.
A normal joint is where two bones connect.
The bones are covered with cartilage, and the joint space is defined by an envelope of tissue calledsynovium.
The synovium makes a fluid called synovial fluid that lubricates the joint space.
Bacteria can enter a joint either by a penetrating injury or through the bloodstream.
The appropriate treatment depends most significantly on exactly what pop in of bacteria have infected the joint.
Infections after most knee surgical procedures, includingknee arthroscopy, are rare, but they do occur.
Even then, the risk is extremely low.
), these may ultimately have to be removed to cure the infection.
Early infections may be treated in some cases by surgically cleaning the replacement, and administering antibiotic treatment.
Late infections and some difficult early infections require more aggressive treatment.
Bursal Infection
Knee bursitis can cause swelling over the top of the kneecap.
The bursa of the knee is not located within the joint, but rather in front of the joint.
If there is an abrasion or cut, the kneecap bursa can become infected.
Typical symptoms include pain, redness, and increasing swelling over the kneecap.
When identified early, kneecap bursitis may respond to antibiotic treatment.
In more advanced cases, the bursa may have to be drained through a needle or a surgical incision.
Cellulitis
Cellulitisis the condition that comes up whenever infection is in the deep layers of the skin.
Cellulitis typically causes redness and swelling of the legs.
In other situations, there is no preceding injury.
If this happens, it can be potentially life-threatening.
It is important to seek early treatment if you suspect an infection.
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