Question

A 30-year-old woman presents with sudden onset of left knee swelling, warmth and severe pain over 24 hours. She is febrile at 38.9 °C and unable to bear weight. There is marked limitation of motion due to pain. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform urgent arthrocentesis and send synovial fluid for analysis and culture

Answer

Start NSAIDs and review in one week

Answer

Order knee MRI and delay arthrocentesis

Answer

Start empiric oral antibiotics without aspiration

Answer

Provide reassurance that this is likely osteoarthritis

Practice question

A 30-year-old woman presents with sudden onset of left knee swelling, warmth and severe pain over 24 hours. She is febrile at 38.9 °C and unable to bear weight. There is marked limitation of motion due to pain. What is the most appropriate next step?