Infective complications of steroid injection which had been overlooked, necessitating spine and hip surgery and resulting in substantial morbidity and long-term disability.

The rate of chondrolysis depends on the virulence of the organism and, if Staphylococcus aureus is responsible, can occur over 1-2 days. This makes diagnosis by aspiration a matter of urgency. Osteonecrosis can complicate local infection.

Suspect septic arthritis in patients with a history of steroid injection and in patients presenting with monoarticular arthropathy.