Two Versus Four Weeks of Antibiotic Treatment in Native Joint Arthritis

Two Versus Four Weeks of Antibiotic Treatment in Native Joint Arthritis

The optimal duration of systemic antibiotic administration for native joint septic arthritis is unknown. The investigators perform a randomized study allowing up to 3 surgical lavages and allocating patients into a two-week's and a four week's randomization arm

The optimal duration of systemic antibiotic administration for native joint septic arthritis is unknown. The investigators perform a randomized study allocating patients into a two-week's and a four week's randomization arm.

The adult patients are hospitalized for septic arthritis. A computer program randomizes 1:1 between a two week's and a four week's arm of targeted antibiotic treatment of which at least the first week is intravenously. The randomization may occur until Day 5 of admission. Up to three surgical interventions are allowed. The investigators allow the inclusion of all bacterial arthritis and all joints.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age >17 years
2. Microbiologically-confirmed septic arthritis
3. At least one surgical drainage/lavage

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of osteosynthesis material in the vicinity of the articulation
2. Presence of a concomitant infection needing more than 2 week's of antibiotic therapy
3. More than 3 surgical drainages
4. Life expectancy less than 6 months
5. Chronic osteomyelitis in vicinity of the arthritis