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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
04:41

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Published on: February 25, 2022

Early syphilis: a cause of mono-arthritis of the knee

J Aderinto1, D Knight, J F Keating

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. joeaderinto@hotmail.com

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|July 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Syphilis cases are rising in the UK, and a young man developed joint pain due to the disease. Prompt antibiotic treatment resolved his symptoms, highlighting the need for clinical awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Syphilis incidence is increasing in the UK.
  • Limited clinician experience with syphilis diagnosis and treatment poses challenges.
  • Untreated syphilis can lead to severe tertiary manifestations.

Observation:

  • A 27-year-old male presented with acute mono-arthritis.
  • The arthritis was diagnosed as secondary syphilis.
  • The patient's condition improved significantly with antibiotic therapy.

Findings:

  • Syphilis can manifest as acute arthropathy.
  • Prompt antibiotic treatment is effective for syphilis-related joint inflammation.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent tertiary syphilis.

Implications:

  • Orthopaedic surgeons must consider syphilis in the differential diagnosis of acute arthropathy.
  • Increased awareness and training on syphilis are needed for healthcare professionals.
  • Public health strategies should address the rising syphilis rates.

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