The acutely swollen joint has been updated by the CPG Committee.
The Key points for the CPG are
- There are many causes of an acutely swollen joint. The aim of initial assessment is to identify and treat serious ones
- Acute inability to walk or weight bear is a red flag
- Septic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency and should be suspected in any child presenting with localised severe joint pain and swelling, especially with fever
- Children discharged with an unclear diagnosis require early follow up