A 65-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, well-controlled on methotrexate 15mg weekly and folic acid, presents with increasing pain and swelling ...

Question

A 65-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, well-controlled on methotrexate 15mg weekly and folic acid, presents with increasing pain and swelling in her right knee over the past 2 days. The knee is warm, tender, and there is a large effusion. She feels generally unwell with a low-grade fever. What is the most important initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration of the knee joint for synovial fluid analysis and culture

Answer

X-ray of the right knee

Answer

Blood tests including CRP, ESR, and FBC

Answer

Ultrasound scan of the right knee

Answer

MRI scan of the right knee

ukmla MCQ (SBA): Septic Arthritis