Question

A 56-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful right knee and fever. He cannot bear weight. There is a large effusion and the joint is hot. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Urgent joint aspiration for gram stain, culture and microscopy

Answer

Plain X-ray only

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

Outpatient rheumatology referral in 2 weeks

Answer

Serum urate level only

Practice question

A 56-year-old man presents with an acutely swollen, painful right knee and fever. He cannot bear weight. There is a large effusion and the joint is hot. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?