Go To MCQ Quiz 7 to interpret a knee aspirate
The atraumatic swollen knee in the paediatric patient can be a diagnostic challenge, especially if the child is not extremely unwell or septic. Our goal is to diagnose serious conditions such as septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, whilst avoiding unnecessary arthrocentesis. Below we are specifically discussing the atraumatic swollen knee, however some of this discussion also applies to other bones and joints.
We should suspect septic arthritis and/or osteomyelitis in any child with fever limb pain and limitation of use of a joint or limb. Specific Red Flags include:
- Fever
- Inability to use the affected limb
- Inability to weight bear
- Severe pain/night pain
A Management Approach is outlined here and explained in detail below:
