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Septic arthritis of the hip — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal/Orthopaedic emergenciesSeptic arthritis of the hipACEM Fellowship

A 6-year-old boy presents to a Melbourne ED, triage category 2, with fever and inability to weight-bear. Hip is held flexed and externally rotated. CRP is 160 mg/L, WCC 18 and ultrasound shows a hip effusion. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: E — Urgent hip aspiration for microscopy and culture

Fever, inability to weight-bear and hip effusion require aspiration for culture and urgent orthopaedic management.

Reference: RCH limping child guideline; ACEM orthopaedic curriculum