Question

A 50-year-old with suspected septic arthritis of the knee presents with fever and joint swelling. Best diagnostic step?

Accepted Answer

Arthrocentesis with synovial fluid analysis and culture before antibiotics if feasible

Answer

Start antibiotics and delay aspiration

Answer

MRI first then aspiration

Answer

Wait for ESR/CRP

Answer

Intra-articular steroids

Practice question

A 50-year-old with suspected septic arthritis of the knee presents with fever and joint swelling. Best diagnostic step?