A 70-year-old man with fever and an acutely swollen, tender right knee joint with reduced range of motion presents to the emergency department. He has...

Question

A 70-year-old man with fever and an acutely swollen, tender right knee joint with reduced range of motion presents to the emergency department. He has a prosthetic hip but no prosthesis in the knee. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent joint aspiration for gram stain and culture, and commence intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Start oral NSAIDs and review in 48 hours

Answer

Order MRI only and wait for the report before treatment

Answer

Inject intra-articular corticosteroids immediately

Answer

Reassure and discharge

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Septic arthritis

A 70-year-old man with fever and an acutely swollen, tender right knee joint with reduced range of motion presents to the emergency department. He has a prosthetic hip but no prosthesis in the knee. What is the most appropriate next step?