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Prosthetic joint infection — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal/Orthopedic emergenciesProsthetic joint infectionABEM Board

A 72-year-old man with a total knee arthroplasty arrives with acute knee pain and fever. Triage acuity is ESI 3; T 101.9 F, HR 104/min. The knee is swollen, warm, and painful with motion. Radiograph shows no fracture, and overlying skin is intact. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: C — Obtain inflammatory markers and arrange sterile arthrocentesis with orthopedic consultation

Fever and painful swollen prosthetic joint require evaluation for prosthetic joint infection with sterile aspiration and orthopedic involvement.

Reference: IDSA prosthetic joint infection guideline