Pneumococcal arthritis.

Course Multiple aspirations of the right shoulder and both knee joints were attempted during the first 4 days; little fluid was obtained in spite of the continued presence of clinical signs of infection. Throughout the first week ofhospitalization, the patient remained toxic with a daily temperature of 103-104°F. On the seventh day arthrotomy of each affected joint was performed and drains were inserted. Cultures of the joint fluid were sterile. The clinical course was stormy with persistent fever and swollen, painful joints for 5 weeks.