Septic arthritis results from a bacterial infection. Sometimes
referred to as bacterial arthritis, this condition causes joints to
swell, becoming stiff and painful. Septic arthritis is most common
in the knees and hips. Septic arthritis can develop as a result of
bacteria spreading through the bloodstream to a joint, or it may be
the result od a direct infection with bacteria through an injury
surgery.
Gonococcal arthritis is the result of infection by the
gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In the United
States, gonococcal arthritis is the most common form of septic
arthritis.