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Native joint septic arthritis — ABIM Board MCQ

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ModerateInfectious DiseaseNative joint septic arthritisABIM Board

A 45-year-old man has fever and acute knee swelling. Arthrocentesis yields cloudy fluid with 86000 leukocytes/mm3, 92 percent neutrophils, and Gram-positive cocci in clusters. Blood pressure is normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Native joint septic arthritis

Acute monoarthritis with fever, very high synovial leukocytes with neutrophil predominance, and Gram-positive cocci is native joint septic arthritis until proven otherwise.

Reference: IDSA Septic Arthritis and MRSA Guidance