Decision
Does the patient have focal erythema/edema?
Yes
- Obtain laboratory studies to distinguish from infection
- Obtain x-ray of involved area
Background
Laboratory studies:
- Complete blood cell count with differential
- Complete metabolic panel
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Lactate dehydrogenase
- Blood culture (if febrile or history of fevers)
No focal erythema/edema