ABSTRACT
Gonococcal arthritis is a frequently occurring clinical entity that should be included routinely in a differential diagnosis of pedal joint pain. Unfortunately, the lack of specificity in the presentation makes gonococcal arthritis difficult to diagnose. Indices of suspicion should rise with any sexually active patient, particularly when septic arthritis is suspected without a detectable portal of entry. The authors emphasize again the importance of carefully choosing empiric antibiotic coverage for gonococcal arthritis. Three factors that should be considered are regional epidemiology, the anatomical site of the primary infection, and the possible coexistence of other infectious agents. Understanding the clinical staging of this condition will help to achieve a timely diagnosis and successful treatment.
