Question

A 28 year old woman presents with acute onset of a hot, swollen right knee and severe pain preventing weight bearing. She had a low grade fever overnight. There is no trauma history. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Urgent joint aspiration for Gram stain and culture

Answer

Plain radiograph only

Answer

Serum uric acid level

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

No investigations; treat empirically with NSAIDs only

Practice question

A 28 year old woman presents with acute onset of a hot, swollen right knee and severe pain preventing weight bearing. She had a low grade fever overnight. There is no trauma history. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?