Joint arthrocentesis

Procedure Information

What is joint Joint arthrocentesis?

Joint arthrocentesis, also known as joint aspiration, is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from a joint using a needle. The most joint involved is usually the knee joint. Sometimes, the process involves the injection of medications that relieve pain and decrease inflammation, such as steroids.

Any joint in your body can become affected and may require the procedure. However, the most affected joints tend to be the knee, hip, shoulders, and wrist.

Why would I get a joint arthrocentesis?

There are many reasons why would you get arthrocentesis. They vary depending on your age and other things related to your history. 

There are many diseases and conditions that will lead to fluid buildup, pain, and inflammation in your joints. Your physician may require arthrocentesis in order to remove the excess fluid or to sample this fluid to understand the etiology of your disease. 

Diseases and conditions include:

• Gout
• Pseudogout
• Infectious causes
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Joint problems can happen also due to injury to any part of your joint. This also will lead to inflammation and pain. 

Injurious causes include:

• Broken bones
• Inflammation from overuse
• Torn ligaments
• Cartilage tear

What to expect during the procedure?

During the procedure, your physician will insert a thin needle into your joint to remove the excess joint fluid. It may be sent to the laboratory for analysis to help in the diagnosis of your condition if the cause is unclear.

The physician may also insert a needle to perform a joint injection. In this case, the physician will insert a drug into the joint space to decrease inflammation and swelling. The most commonly injected drugs are corticosteroids. They are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that will relieve the pain resulting from osteoarthritis and other conditions.

What to expect after the procedure?

Joint arthrocentesis is a very safe procedure. You may feel some discomfort from the site of injection of the needle but it is tolerable to all patients. Also, the procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.

Conclusion

If your doctor did an injection, he/she will tell you what to expect in the following days. If the doctor did a joint aspiration, it will be sent to the lab for analysis. A report will be sent to your physician with the most likely diagnosis. 

Citations

Cleveland Clinic: Joint Aspiration