Septic Arthritis of the Ankle Caused by Group-B Streptococci Following Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the ankle can lead to joint destruction if not immediately diagnosed and treated. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be administered while awaiting bacterial identification on the basis of culture of synovial fluid. Group-B streptococci are a more common cause of septic arthritis in the pediatric and peripartum populations; however, hematogenous spread can translocate these bacteria from the genitourinary tract to joints in all age groups.