A 23-year-old man presents with a painful, swollen right knee following an arthroscopy 2 weeks ago. He has fever 38.5°C and limited range of motion. A...

Question

A 23-year-old man presents with a painful, swollen right knee following an arthroscopy 2 weeks ago. He has fever 38.5°C and limited range of motion. According to septic arthritis guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent joint aspiration for Gram stain, culture, and initiate empiric intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Start oral NSAIDs only and review in a week

Answer

Order MRI knee and wait for result before treatment

Answer

Treat with oral antibiotics without aspiration

Answer

Reassure; postoperative pain can be expected

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Septic arthritis post-arthroscopy

A 23-year-old man presents with a painful, swollen right knee following an arthroscopy 2 weeks ago. He has fever 38.5°C and limited range of motion. According to septic arthritis guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate step?