Lyme Disease Presenting as a Spontaneous Knee Effusion. Issue 11 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matzkin, Elizabeth; Suslavich, Kaytelin; Curry, Emily J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Volume 23:Issue 11(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Lyme disease -- Lyme borreliosis -- spontaneous knee effusion -- Lyme arthritis; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Joint Diseases -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery; Orthopedics; Periodicals; 616.7005
• DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-151X

Abstract

Abstract : Musculoskeletal complaints, which are frequently associated with Lyme disease, often prompt patients to see a physician. In particular, transient episodes of spontaneous knee effusion are common early in the progression of Lyme disease, and, if left untreated, 60% of patients diagnosed with the disease develop Lyme arthritis. This disease is easily treated with antibiotics; therefore, inclusion of Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis as a potential cause of a spontaneous knee effusion can prevent the development of more severe symptoms associated with the disease. However, the time required to receive test results and the inconsistencies between serum and synovial tests can complicate diagnosis of the disease.