Multi-joint involvement via bacteremia (e.g. endocarditis); may have seeding elsewhere (e.g. epidural abscess/vertebral osteomyelitis)
For one or few joints, could be the result of bacteremia; also consider direct extension (e.g. via wound, deep soft tissue infection) or introduction during joint injection/procedure
Symptoms
Fever, chills, feeling systemic illness
Acutely painful, red, swollen joint
Physical Exam Findings
F
Systemic illness
Sig joint inflammatory signs→ red, warm, worse w/passive or active movement, effusion