Infection & Microbiology2 UKMLA questions
Septic arthritis — UKMLA Revision Notes
Septic arthritis is an important clinical condition in Infection & Microbiology that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Septic arthritis as outlined in current NICE guidelines.
Key Facts
- Septic arthritis is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
- Commonly tested in the Infection & Microbiology section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
- Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
- NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
- Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios
Investigations
- Blood cultures (×2)
- FBC, CRP, procalcitonin
- Urine MC&S
- CXR
- Throat/wound swabs
- Serology
Management
- Empirical antibiotics per local guidelines
- Source control (drainage, removal of infected device)
- IV to oral switch when clinically stable
- Infection control measures (isolation if required)
- Microbiology advice
- Antibiotic stewardship