Knee Infection

Knee Infection Specialist

People who had knee surgery or trauma and those who are suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk of knee infection usually caused by bacteria. Knee infection specialist, Dr. Kelechi Okoroha provides diagnosis and individualized non-surgical and surgical management for knee infection in Minneapolis. Contact Dr. Okoroha’s team for an appointment today!

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Knee infection is a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment. Infection may occur followed by a knee replacement surgery or trauma and is usually caused by bacteria. Infection may spread to the space of the knee joint or deep layers of your knee causing serious complications.

When a knee infection is suspected, it is important to schedule an orthopedic consultation for proper examination and care. Dr. Kelechi Okoroha is a knee infection specialist who provides detailed examination and care for patients with knee infection in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minnesota and beyond.

Symptoms of Knee Infection

The most common symptom is knee pain and inability to move your knee joint. Other symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Swelling around your knee joint
• Nausea
• Warmth and redness of the knee joint

Risk Factors

The possible risk factors that may cause a knee infection include:

• Joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Immune-suppressing medications
• Surgery involving repair of torn cartilage or tendon
• Artificial joints
• Diabetes
• A deep cut which may expose tissue or bone to bacteria

Diagnosis of Knee Infection

Dr. Okoroha will physically examine your knee for pain, redness and/or swelling and may order certain tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

• An X-ray to view the extent of damage
• A blood test to diagnose bacterial infection
• Needle aspiration to confirm the presence of microorganisms in the knee fluid

What Happens if a Knee Infection is Untreated?

An untreated knee infection can damage knee cartilage and bone and may result in permanent knee damage. The bacteria from your infected knee can reach the bloodstream and spread to various parts of the body.

Treatment of Knee Infection

After careful review of your history and examination, Dr. Okoroha will provide an individualized treatment plan to help you return to your normal function.

Treatment involves the use of antibiotics which are either prescribed orally or intravenously. Joint drainage may be necessary to drain infected fluid surrounding your knee joint. A large needle may be used to drain the fluid. Very serious infections may be treated by arthroscopy or open surgery. This involves removal of infected fluid and tissue and changing out the prosthesis if needed.

Prevention of Knee Infection

You can prevent a knee infection by following simple measures including:

• Discussing with Dr. Okoroha of various ways to prevent infection if you take medications for rheumatoid arthritis or HIV-AIDS, or if you are diabetic.
• Have your joints assessed by Dr. Okoroha on a regular basis. Check for any sores or cuts which may further lead to infection.
• Do not ignore insect, spider or animal bites.
• Do not ignore any other infections in your body.
• Avoid intravenous drug use.
• Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.