Question

A 46-year-old man presents with acute monoarthritis of the knee with fever 38.5 °C. The joint is swollen, hot and very tender with reduced range of motion. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Urgent joint aspiration for microscopy, culture and Gram stain

Answer

Plain X-ray alone

Answer

Serum uric acid level alone

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

No investigation; start NSAIDs only

Practice question

A 46-year-old man presents with acute monoarthritis of the knee with fever 38.5 °C. The joint is swollen, hot and very tender with reduced range of motion. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?