Septic Arthritis

Diagnosis and management of joint infection.

Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP (General Practitioner)
Last reviewed: 21 October 2025
MusculoskeletalInfectious DiseasesEmergency Medicine

Clinical Guidelines

BSR & BHPR, BOA, RCGP and BSAC guidelines for management of septic arthritis
National
National Clinical Guideline No 26 - Sepsis Management for Adults
National
NHS Tayside: Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis
National
NICE BNF: Musculoskeletal system infections, antibacterial therapy
National
NICE CKS: Knee pain - assessment
National
NICE guideline [NG180]
National
Consensus guidelines on the management of musculoskeletal infection in adults
Local
Diagnosis and management of acute osteoarticular infections in children
Local
Gonococcal Infections Among Adolescents and Adults - CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
Local
Guideline for management of septic arthritis in native joints (SANJO): 2023 consensus statement
Local
PIDS/IDSA 2023 Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Acute Bacterial Arthritis in Pediatrics
Local