Joint Conditions and Infections Quiz

Joint Conditions and Infections Overview

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint condition where bone underneath the cartilage dies due to lack of blood flow, commonly occurring in children and adolescents, particularly in the knee, elbows, and ankles.
• Symptoms of OCD vary based on the size of the injury and whether the fragment is partially or completely detached, including pain on weight-bearing, swelling, joint effusion, and decreased range of motion.
• The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but it is thought to be related to reduced blood flow and a potential genetic component.
• Adolescents participating in organized sports can prevent OCD by educating themselves on the risks of overuse, learning proper mechanics and techniques, using protective gear, and participating in strength and stability training exercises.
• Septic arthritis, or joint infection, can lead to joint inflammation, with symptoms including redness, heat, pain, decreased joint movement, fever, weakness, and headache.
• Septic arthritis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and risk factors include an artificial joint, prior arthritis, diabetes, and poor immune function.
• Joints can become infected via the blood, trauma, or infection around the joint, with diagnosis involving joint aspiration and culture.
• Initial treatment for septic arthritis typically involves antibiotics such as vancomycin, ceftriaxone, or ceftazidime, and surgery may be necessary to clean out the joint.
• Prosthetic joint infections occur in a small percentage of knee and hip joints, with early, delayed, and late phases characterized by different symptoms and common bacteria.
• The mode of infection for prosthetic joint infections can occur through the bloodstream or direct penetration into the joint, often caused by bacterial infections.
• Risk factors for prosthetic joint infections include age over 80 years, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, immunosuppressive medication, intravenous drug abuse, recent joint surgery, and skin infection.
• In Hong Kong in 2016, there were 692 HIV reports and 111 AIDS reports, with the majority of cases among males, and the most common HIV subtypes being CRF01_AE and B.