TOPIC: RANDOM MIX
Following an uneventful arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy, a patient develops severe out-of-proportion pain, joint effusion, and significantly decreased range of motion on postoperative day 3. Joint aspiration yields turbid fluid with a white blood cell (WBC) count of 65,000 cells/mm³ and 90% polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A
Intra-articular corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation
B
Initiation of oral antibiotics and close outpatient observation for 48 hours
C
Physical therapy focusing on aggressive range of motion to prevent stiffness
D
Immediate urgent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement