Outcome of management of non-gonococcal septic arthritis at national orthopaedic hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Septic arthritis is an accute bacterial infection of a synovial joint. It is an orthopaedic emergency that can lead to morbidity or mortality if not properly treated. the fundamental issues in the management of septic arthritis include the duration of antibiotic therapy, the mode of joint drainage and the role of physiotherapy. There is a paucity of local data on septic arthritis in Nigeria. The study wa carried out at the National Orthopoedic Hospital, Enugu; a regional trauma and orthopaedic center with wide catchments area covering at least three geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The objective of the study is to describe the pattern and distribution of non-gonococcal septic arthritis, the causative organisms, and the outcome of management of this condition at Enugu, Nigeria and make recommendations on the antibiotic therapy.