A 40-year-old man presents with fever, monoarticular knee pain, and swelling for 24 hours. He is unable to bear weight. Synovial fluid analysis shows ...

Question

A 40-year-old man presents with fever, monoarticular knee pain, and swelling for 24 hours. He is unable to bear weight. Synovial fluid analysis shows 80,000 white blood cells per microliter with 90 percent neutrophils and no crystals. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent intravenous antibiotics and joint drainage

Answer

Start oral NSAIDs and observe

Answer

Intra-articular steroid injection

Answer

Start allopurinol

Answer

Order MRI of the knee before treatment

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Septic Arthritis

A 40-year-old man presents with fever, monoarticular knee pain, and swelling for 24 hours. He is unable to bear weight. Synovial fluid analysis shows 80,000 white blood cells per microliter with 90 percent neutrophils and no crystals. What is the most appropriate next step in management?