A 21-year-old man presents with a swollen, painful right knee, fever and reduced range of movement. There is a large effusion and the joint is hot and...

Question

A 21-year-old man presents with a swollen, painful right knee, fever and reduced range of movement. There is a large effusion and the joint is hot and tender. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Urgent joint aspiration and intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Start oral NSAIDs and review in 1 week

Answer

Physiotherapy for presumed sprain

Answer

Intra-articular steroid injection in the clinic

Answer

Apply ice and elevation only

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Septic arthritis

A 21-year-old man presents with a swollen, painful right knee, fever and reduced range of movement. There is a large effusion and the joint is hot and tender. What is the most appropriate next step?