BSR & BHPR, BOA, RCGP and BSAC guidelines for management of the hot swollen joint in adults

Abstract

The clinical presentation of a hot swollen joint is common and has wide differential diagnosis. The most serious is septic arthritis, with a case fatality of 11%. Delayed or inadequate treatment leads to joint damage. These guidelines focus on the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis. Hot swollen joints commonly have other underlying diagnoses, including crystal arthritis, reactive arthritis and a monoarticular presentation of polyarthritis.