Ddx, most likely
Flare-up of osteoarthritis
Crystal arthritis
Gout
Pseudogout
Bacterial arthritis
Gonorrheal
Staphylococcal
Sx
Calor, dolor, rubor, tumor
Workup
Aspirate
Cell count w/diff
Cloudy or particulate w/>50k WBC: septic
>=50k WBC w/PMN predominance: may be inflammatory
Gram stain negative result does not r/o septic
Fluid cx may take >= 2d
Microscopic exam for crystals:
Gout: uric acid crystals
Pseudogout
Calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals
Rhomboid-shaped
Positively-biregringent crystals
Hemarthosis: suspect coagulopathy if atraumatic
If traumatic, fat droplets from bone marrow in aspirate indicates intraarticular bony fracture