Question

A 70-year-old woman presents with acute onset of atraumatic left knee swelling and pain. The joint is warm and tender with reduced range of motion. She has a low-grade fever. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Joint aspiration for synovial fluid microscopy, culture and Gram stain

Answer

Plain X-ray of the knee

Answer

Serum urate level

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

No investigations; treat empirically with NSAIDs

Practice question

A 70-year-old woman presents with acute onset of atraumatic left knee swelling and pain. The joint is warm and tender with reduced range of motion. She has a low-grade fever. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?