A Rare Case: Septic Arthritis of The Wrist

Introduction: Septic arthritis of the wrist is an uncommon condition, representing only a small fraction of all septic arthritis cases. Case Report: This report details the clinical course of a 63-year-old female patient who developed septic arthritis and subsequent osteomyelitis of the wrist following a traumatic laceration. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics and a delayed diagnosis, the patient ultimately required a two-stage surgical approach, including debridement, placement of an antibiotic spacer, and definitive arthrodesis with autologous bone grafting. Microbiological analysis revealed Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with wrist septic arthritis due to its rarity and non-specific presentation, which can lead to delayed treatment and severe joint destruction. Conclusion: Prompt recognition, thorough diagnostic workup, including synovial fluid analysis and culture, and early surgical intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. The report underscores the importance of considering septic arthritis in the differential diagnosis of wrist pain and swelling to prevent irreversible complications.