Polyarticular septic arthritis in the foot and ankle: A unique case report

Septic arthritis is a devastating joint infection with high morbidity rates. Any delay in diagnosis can result in severe joint destruction, and in some cases, systemic illness or even death. The following is a unique case report of polyarticular arthritis in the foot and ankle that was successfully managed with arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. The patient underwent multiple debridements with six weeks of antibiotic therapy. At the one-year follow-up, the patient had no residual limitation or recurrent infections. To our knowledge, this is the first case of septic subtalar joint arthritis that has been successfully managed with arthroscopy, as well as the second case describing polyarticular septic arthritis in the foot and ankle. A delay in treatment, or even misdiagnosis of these rare cases could be detrimental to the patient's extremity and perhaps even their life. We aim to provide information on the management of polyarticular joint sepsis in the foot and ankle.