A 42-year-old presents with an acutely swollen, painful right knee after a twisting injury. Joint aspiration shows no crystals, no organisms, and norm...

Question

A 42-year-old presents with an acutely swollen, painful right knee after a twisting injury. Joint aspiration shows no crystals, no organisms, and normal WBC count. X-ray is normal. Which is the next appropriate step?

Accepted Answer

Oral NSAIDs and rest

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

Start empirical antibiotics

Answer

Refer for arthroscopy

Answer

Intra-articular steroid injection

Emergency medicine & Acute presentations — MRCEM SBA MCQ

A 42-year-old presents with an acutely swollen, painful right knee after a twisting injury. Joint aspiration shows no crystals, no organisms, and normal WBC count. X-ray is normal. Which is the next appropriate step?