acute pyogenic arthritis, an acute bacterial infection of one or more joints, caused by trauma or a penetrating wound and occurring most frequently in children. Typical signs are pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joint; muscular spasms in the area; chills; fever; sweating; and leukocytosis. Treatment consists of immobilization of the joint, analgesia, sedation, and IV administration of an antibiotic. If required, the joint may be irrigated with normal saline solution and an antibiotic. Hospitalization is usually required. Also called acute septic arthritis.
