27. Acute Joint Pain Flashcards
Remember that pain may be referred from elsewhere. For example, hip pathology may present as knee pain, and lumbar spine pathology may present as hip pain.
What questions in the history will help you narrow down the differentials for an acute joint pain?
= 6 things?
What is the pathology?
= Gouty tophi
The registrar in the ED aspirates Mr Sullivan’s left knee using local anaesthetic and a strict aseptic technique. The aspirate is yellowish but clear. The sample is sent to laboratories and the microbiology technician on call is asked to review the sample urgently.
- What are 4 possible findings and what do they mean?
What are 10 investigations to consider in a patient with an acute joint pain? (Other than Arthrocentesis)
What are the options for managing Mr Sullivan’s gout? What contraindications might drive your management?
- Acute? (3)
- Chronic? (3)
Describe the pathophysiological circumstances in which serum urate might be elevated.
When is a rheumatological referral warranted for patients with painful joints?
What is the most likely infective organisms in a native joint compared with a prosthetic joint?
What are the features of osteoarthritis on a plain radiograph? (LOSS)
