Author: Sinead Power / Editor: Sarah Edwards / Codes: MuC3, MuP4, MuP5, SLO1, SLO6 / Published: 28/02/2025
A 56-year-old male presents to the Emergency Department (ED) complaining of left knee pain. For the past 3 days, his knee has become increasingly swollen and painful. He is feeling tired, generally unwell and reports an episode of shivering. He can no longer bend his knee due to the severity of the pain and is refusing to weight bear. He doesn’t report any recent trauma.
His background is significant for hypercholesterolemia and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. He has no known drug allergies and takes metformin and atorvastatin.
On examination, the left knee is held in extension and appears swollen. There is erythema overlying the medial joint. It is hot to touch and extremely tender. Range of motion is minimal.
Vitals:
- Heart Rate 89
- Blood Pressure 134/87
- Respiratory Rate 17
- Oxygen Saturation 97% on room air
- Temperature 37.7
- Blood Sugar 8.4