What are the potential systemic signs of septic arthritis?

Septic arthritis often presents with systemic signs that reflect the body's response to infection. Fever and leukocytosis are key indicators of systemic involvement. Fever occurs as a result of cytokine release and the body's inflammatory response to the infection within the joint. Leukocytosis, or an elevated white blood cell count, indicates the immune system is actively fighting an infection, which is a common response in cases of septic arthritis.

In contrast, joint stiffness alone does not signify a systemic issue and may indicate other joint disorders but lacks the infectious component characteristic of septic arthritis. Joint swelling without fever may occur in various types of arthritis, including non-infectious conditions, and does not indicate a systemic infection. The option suggesting that there are no systemic signs overlooks the fact that septic arthritis is not just a localized issue; it often causes systemic symptoms due to the body’s immune response to the infection.