Emergency department evaluation of the swollen joint

Pain, swelling, and limited range of motion of a joint are extremely common complaints in the emergency department. In assessing joint complaints it is helpful for the emergency physician to keep in mind the major categories of diagnostic possibilities; it is also useful to distinguish between chronic and acute problems and between monoarticular and polyarticular problems. The emergency physician does not need to make a precise diagnosis of every joint complaint, but it is essential that infectious arthritis not be missed.