What medical term is used for an infection affecting soft tissue around a joint?

Septic arthritis is the correct term for an infection affecting the soft tissue around a joint. This condition occurs when bacteria or other infectious agents invade the joint space, leading to inflammation and potentially damaging the joint structures if not treated promptly. Symptoms of septic arthritis often include joint pain, swelling, redness, and fever. The soft tissues around the joint, including the synovial membrane, can become infected, resulting in a range of complications if not addressed immediately.

The other terms refer to different conditions: tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons, synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, and bursitis is the inflammation of bursa sacs. While they can all involve pain and inflammation near joints, they do not specifically indicate an infectious process, which is the primary characteristic of septic arthritis.