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Aug 27, 2006
Arthrocentesis - Joint fluid aspiration
by SirGan
 A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the joint. The condition is also called joint fluid aspiration, joint tap, synovial fluid aspiration…etc. It is important to know that joint aspiration is typically performed as an office procedure. How it is being done? Well, it is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into a joint in order to remove fluid. The purpose of performing arthrocentesis is usually:
Every doctor should keep in mind that, when performing arthrocentesis, it is extremely important to observe strictly sterile conditions because joint fluid is prone to becoming infected if bacteria are introduced. That’s why- the skin is always cleaned and sterile instruments are used to aspirate the joint fluid. The most common indication for the procedure is condition called arthritis- a group of diseases affecting joints or their component tissues. There are several types of arthritis and they can be divided into groups by their clinical course and pathologic appearance. There are four basic types of arthritis:
What is the purpose of joint aspiration?Like it was been told- joint aspiration is used to obtain joint fluid for examination in the laboratory. It is important to point out that the analysis of joint fluid can help to define causes of joint swelling or arthritis, such as infection, gout, and rheumatoid disease. In order to do this- doctor is testing joint fluid for white cell count, crystals, protein, glucose, as well as cultured for infection. Several researches done in the past have proven that joint aspiration can also be helpful in relieving joint swelling and pain because the removal of joint fluid is also removing the white blood cells which are sources of enzymes that can be destructive to the joint.
Results of joint aspirationSynovial fluid, which is aspirated from the joint, is normally clear and viscous. When it is:
There are also various other test which could be done such as
How is joint aspiration performed?Well, it all starts with sterilization! The skin over the joint is sterilized using a liquid, typically iodine solution and then- local anesthetic is used in the area of the joint. The doctor will then numb the area, either with a cream or spray, or with an injection using a tiny needle. This could be done by injection, topical liquid freezing, or both. Then -a needle with a syringe attached is inserted in the joint a fluid is aspirated into the syringe. The needle is then removed and a band is applied over the affected place over the joint. Sometimes, before the needle extraction- the doctor will also inject medication into the joint after fluid removal. Insertion of the needle is normally painless, although patient may feel temporary pain when the joint capsule is penetrated. In any case- patient should let the doctor know if he or she experiences persistent pain during arthrocentesis as this may mean that the cartilage or the membrane covering the bone is irritated. In this case, the doctor will usually withdraw the needle and insert it at a different angle.
What are complications of joint aspiration?There are several possible complications of joint aspiration; although it is important to point out that they are very uncommon. Possible complications include:
A rare, but serious, complication of joint aspiration is infection of the joint. The condition is then called – the septic arthritis. If corticosteroids are injected into the joint, additional, although very uncommon, complications include:
Most common indications for arthrocentesisTemporomandibular (TM) disordersWhen we talk about temporomandibular problems, then we should know that arthrocentesis is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Doctors uses needles to withdraw fluid from and inject medication into a joint space. Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular (TM) joint is used:
Arthrocentesis is done using local anesthetic, with or without a sedative. Sometimes doctor injects the fluid into the joint. It can be extremely useful because:
After the procedure, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control pain. After few days- patient are instructed about jaw exercises which could be very helpful. In one study, 94% of people with severe closed lock of the temporomandibular joint gained long-term relief from arthrocentesis.
Knee arthritisWell, it is important to point out that osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. This joint disorder is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.
Who develops knee arthritis?Several researches done in the past have showed that knee arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is also much more common in patients who are overweight. There is also a genetic predisposition of this condition, because experts are saying that knee arthritis tends to run in families. Other factors that can contribute to developing knee arthritis include:
What are the common symptoms of knee arthritis?Bad thing about this condition is the fact that knee arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. What is interesting about knee arthritis is that symptoms do not always progress steadily with time. This means that often patients report good months and bad months or symptom changes with weather changes.The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:
Shoulder and elbow problemsShoulder pain is an extremely common complaint and many different factors can cause it.
Shoulder DislocationA shoulder dislocation is one specific type of injury that occurs when the top of the arm bone called –the humerus, becomes disconnected from the shoulder blade- bone called- the scapula! Shoulder dislocations occur also after falls or other serious injuries.
Shoulder InstabilityShoulder instability is a problem of a loose shoulder joint and, in this case- patients may experience symptoms of an unstable joint. This shoulder disorder could be caused by a previous dislocation, or it may happen when the ligaments around the joint are too loose.
Shoulder SeparationShoulder separations are the result of a disruption of the acromio-clavicular joint. This injury can cause pain and swelling of the shoulder.
Hip arthritisLike it was been told before- osteoarthritis is the most common type of hip arthritis and it is also called wear-and-tear arthritis. This disorder is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.
Who develops hip arthritis?The risk factors for developing hip arthritis are the same like with other forms of arthritis! It also affect typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is more common in patients who are overweight. There is also a genetic predisposition of this condition, meaning hip arthritis tends to run in families. Trauma is also considered the risk factor!What are the common symptoms of hip arthritis?Hip arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens. Interesting thing is that -often patients report good months and bad months or symptom changes with weather changes.The most common symptoms of hip arthritis are:
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