Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute onset of severe right knee pain, swelling, and warmth. Reports inability to bear weight and restricted range of motion. Denies recent trauma, but notes systemic symptoms including fever and chills.
Clinical Examination Findings
Right knee examination reveals significant joint effusion, erythema, and marked warmth. Tenderness to palpation is diffuse across the joint line. Range of motion is severely limited by pain, both actively and passively. Neurovascular status is intact distally.
Treatment Protocol
Urgent joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) performed for synovial fluid analysis (cell count, differential, Gram stain, and culture). Initiated empiric IV antibiotic therapy pending culture results. Orthopedic surgery consultation requested for potential surgical washout/debridement.