Why can delayed treatment of septic arthritis cause permanent joint damage?

Delayed treatment of septic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage because the infection triggers the production of pus within the joint space. This pus actively erodes the articular cartilages. Because articular cartilages possess almost no regenerative capacity, this erosion results in irreversible structural harm to the joint. Consequently, prompt medical intervention—typically involving antimicrobial therapy and joint drainage—is essential to prevent this destructive process.1