In inflammatory arthritis, which synovial fluid leukocyte count range is typical?

• A. 2-75,000
• B. 100,000-200,000
• C. <2,000
• D. 50-100,000

Answer: (A)

In inflammatory arthritis, the joint fluid shows elevated white cells due to immune activity, but not as high as seen in septic infection. The typical synovial fluid WBC count spans from a few thousand up to around the tens of thousands, reflecting an inflammatory exudate with neutrophil predominance. This makes a range from about 2,000 to 75,000 cells per microliter the best fit for the common inflammatory pattern. Counts below 2,000 suggest noninflammatory fluid, while counts well above 100,000 lean toward septic arthritis or other severe processes. Therefore, 2,000 to roughly 75,000 per microliter best describes the usual inflammatory range.