Question

A 63-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful knee joint, fever and reduced range of motion. There is a large effusion and he is unable to weight-bear. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Joint aspiration for Gram stain, culture and crystal analysis

Answer

MRI knee

Answer

Plain X-ray only

Answer

Blood cultures only

Answer

No investigations; start NSAIDs only

Practice question

A 63-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful knee joint, fever and reduced range of motion. There is a large effusion and he is unable to weight-bear. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?