Which joint is most commonly affected in disseminated gonococcal infection?

Which joint is most commonly affected in disseminated gonococcal infection?

• A. Hand/Wrist
• B. Knee
• C. Spine
• D. Hip

Answer: (B)

When Neisseria gonorrhoeae enters the bloodstream in disseminated gonococcal infection, it most often seeds large, highly vascularized joints. The knee stands out as the joint most commonly involved because of its large synovial cavity and abundant blood flow, making it the prime target for hematogenous spread. Clinically, DGI frequently presents with septic arthritis of the knee, though the wrists and ankles can be involved as well. In contrast, involvement of the spine or hip is less common, and small joints like the hand/wrist occur less often than the knee.

When Neisseria gonorrhoeae enters the bloodstream in disseminated gonococcal infection, it most often seeds large, highly vascularized joints. The knee stands out as the joint most commonly involved because of its large synovial cavity and abundant blood flow, making it the prime target for hematogenous spread. Clinically, DGI frequently presents with septic arthritis of the knee, though the wrists and ankles can be involved as well. In contrast, involvement of the spine or hip is less common, and small joints like the hand/wrist occur less often than the knee.