Septic bone and joint infections.

Abstract

Three main trends are apparent in the study of septic bone and joint infections. First, molecular microbiology has advanced our understanding of how microorganisms find structures in the joints and connective tissue on which to adhere, reproduce, and exert an infectious process. Second, modern diagnostic methods such as DNA hybridization and polymerase chain reaction are facilitating the identification of causative microbes. Finally, unusual and previously unknown causes of infection are being identified in joints and bone, often through a time-consuming search in which modern diagnostic techniques may be of valuable help.