Question

A 34-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful knee after a minor twist injury. He is febrile at 38.5 °C, and the joint is very tender with restricted range of motion. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Urgent arthrocentesis with synovial fluid analysis

Answer

Plain radiograph of the knee only

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

Ultrasound of the knee

Answer

Serum uric acid level

Practice question

A 34-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful knee after a minor twist injury. He is febrile at 38.5 °C, and the joint is very tender with restricted range of motion. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?