Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to irreversible joint destruction and subsequent disability. There is also a single-joint estimated case fatality rate of 11%.[2]Kaandorp CJ, Dinant HJ, van de Laar MA, et al. Incidence and sources of native and prosthetic joint infection: a community based prospective survey. Ann Rheum Dis. 1997 Aug;56(8):470-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1752430/pdf/v056p00470.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9306869?tool=bestpractice.com
A survey in the UK revealed that certain factors might be associated with a poor prognosis including older age, pre-existing joint disease, and the presence of a joint prosthesis.[66]Kaandorp CJ, Krijnen P, Moens HJ, et al. The outcome of bacterial arthritis:a prospective community-based study. Arthritis Rheum. 1997 May;40(5):884-92.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9153550?tool=bestpractice.com