Question

A 56-year-old man presents with acute onset of a swollen, painful knee with limited range of motion and fever 38.3°C. There is a large effusion. What is the most important immediate step in management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent arthrocentesis for synovial fluid analysis and culture

Answer

Start high-dose oral NSAIDs and observe

Answer

Order MRI of the knee

Answer

Start empirical oral antibiotics without aspiration

Answer

Arrange outpatient orthopaedic review in one week

Practice question

A 56-year-old man presents with acute onset of a swollen, painful knee with limited range of motion and fever 38.3°C. There is a large effusion. What is the most important immediate step in management?