Prognosis of nongonococcal septic arthritis
What is the prognosis in patients with nongonococcal septic arthritis?
Despite better drainage and antibiotics, this remains a serious disease with a mortality of 7% to 15%. Most of these patients have a chronic debilitating underlying disease (i.e., RA, polyarticular sepsis, cirrhosis, hemodialysis, and renal transplant) that contributes to the mortality. Of the surviving patients, up to 50% have residual abnormalities (pain or limited motion of the joint).