What indicates significant inflammation in a patient exhibiting symptoms of septic arthritis?

• A. Elevated WBC count greater than 12,000
• B. Normal ESR levels
• C. Low-grade fever
• D. Joint immobility

Answer: (A)

An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 12,000 indicates significant inflammation, particularly in the context of septic arthritis. In septic arthritis, the presence of bacteria within the joint space triggers an immune response, leading to an increased production of leukocytes as the body attempts to combat the infection. A WBC count above 12,000 is often seen in cases of acute infection and is used clinically to help differentiate septic arthritis from other forms of inflammatory arthritis.

While normal ESR levels could suggest a lack of significant systemic inflammation, a low-grade fever might be present in various inflammatory conditions and does not solely indicate septic arthritis. Joint immobility can occur as a result of pain and swelling but is not a direct indicator of inflammation and does not provide specific information about the presence of infection or the level of inflammatory response in the joint. An elevated WBC count serves as a more definitive marker for the degree of inflammation associated with septic arthritis, establishing this option as the most indicative of significant inflammation in the scenario presented.