Question

A 72-year-old woman presents with acute swollen, painful right knee which is warm and erythematous. She has a fever of 38.2°C and finds weight-bearing very painful. What is the most important immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Joint aspiration for Gram stain, microscopy and culture

Answer

Serum urate level

Answer

Plain X-ray of the knee only

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

Blood film

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman presents with acute swollen, painful right knee which is warm and erythematous. She has a fever of 38.2°C and finds weight-bearing very painful. What is the most important immediate investigation?