Carlton J. Covey, MD, FAAFP Matthew K. Hawks, MD Nellis Family Medicine Residency Program, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev (Drs. Covey and Hawks); Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md (Dr. Covey) carlton.covey@us.af.mil
The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.
The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the US Air Force Medical Department or the US Air Force at large.
Synovial fluid analysis characteristics suggestive of a septic joint include turbid quality, WBC >50,000 per mm3, an elevated protein content, and a low glucose concentration.30 Gram stain and culture will help identify the infectious agent. Orthopedic referral should not be delayed in patients with a suspected infectious joint. Corticosteroids should not be injected during aspiration if infection is being ruled out.
CASE › When Ms. T returns for a follow-up visit 8 weeks later, she states that the knee pain has resolved and that she has returned to running. She has lost an additional 8 pounds and continues to diet. And, at the advice of her physical therapist, she is continuing her physiotherapy regimen at home to prevent a recurrence of PFPS.
CORRESPONDENCE Carlton J. Covey, MD, FAAFP, Nellis Family Medicine Residency Program, 4700 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Nellis Air Force Base, NV 89191; carlton.covey@us.af.mil
