Non-gonococcal septic arthritis of native joints in Western Australia. A longitudinal population-based study of frequency, risk factors and outcome.

The incidence of SA in WA has risen steeply over 20 years. SA now occurs at higher age, affects females more often with over a third of cases caused by Gram-negative microorganisms. Not only culture-positive, but also suspected SA led to increased bone/joint complications, in-hospital and late mortality.