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Septic arthritis — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletalSeptic arthritisRCPSC EM

CTAS 2. A 58-year-old with diabetes has acute monoarticular knee pain and fever. The knee is hot with limited passive range of motion. WBC is 17, CRP is 186, and x-ray shows no fracture. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Urgent arthrocentesis before antibiotics if feasible

Suspected septic arthritis requires urgent synovial fluid analysis; antibiotics should follow promptly, after aspiration when this does not delay care.

Reference: Canadian Rheumatology Association Choosing Wisely; Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine