Increasing Incidence of Septic Arthritis in Iceland Due to Iatrogenic Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Geirsson Á, Statkevicius S, Víkingsson A
Primary Institution: Landspitali University Hospital of Iceland
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the impact of increased diagnostic and therapeutic joint procedures on the incidence and type of septic arthritis.
Conclusion
The incidence of septic arthritis has increased in recent years due to an increased number of arthroscopies and joint injections.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of septic arthritis increased from 4.2 cases/100,000 in 1990 to 11.0 cases/100,000 in 2002.
- Iatrogenic infections accounted for 41.8% of adult cases of septic arthritis.
- The annual number of arthroscopies increased from 430 in 1990–1994 to 2303 in 1998–2002.
Takeaway
More people are getting joint infections because doctors are doing more procedures on joints, like surgeries and injections.
Methodology
A nationwide review of medical records and microbiology cultures for septic arthritis cases from 1990 to 2002.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on medical records and culture results.
Limitations
The study relies on retrospective data and may not capture all cases of septic arthritis.
Participant Demographics
69 children and 184 adults, with a male/female ratio of 1.7.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 3.2–5.5 and 7.9–11.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website