Differentiation of reactive and septic arthritis

Gonococcal reactive arthritis

Gonococcal septic arthritis

Multiple joint involvement

Monoarthritis

Wrists/hands usually involved

Wrists/hands rarely involved. Knees primarily involved

No demonstrable gonococci in the synovial fluid

Gonococci evident in both synovial fluid and blood

Skin rashes usually evident

Skin lesions may be present over the affected joint but widespread rashes rare