Clinical outcomes involving patients that develop septic arthritis with methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus versus methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Septic Arthritis is an orthopedic emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen causing septic arthritis. This review seeks to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with patients with methicillin-resistant (MRSA) vs. methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) septic arthritis. The review showed that those infected with MRSA were older, had more chronic medical conditions, and higher values of inflammatory markers. MRSA septic arthritis was also associated with more complications, longer duration of antibiotics, and increased mortality. Thus, health care providers should maintain a high index of suspicion, diagnose, and treat aggressively to prevent adverse outcomes.