Used to evacuate abnormal fluid collections from the joint space for synovial fluid analysis

    Septic arthritis

    Crystal arthropathy

    Hemarthrosis

    Inflammatory process

 Used to diagnose occult fracture or ligamentous injury

 Used to inject methylene blue to test for joint capsule integrity when there is an overlying laceration that potentially extends into the joint space

 Used to decrease or relieve pressure in the joint to provide pain relief

 Used to instill medication for treatment and pain relief

CONTRAINDICATIONS

 Absolute Contraindications

    Abscess/cellulitis overlying the procedural site (note that often infectious arthritis can mimic an overlying soft-tissue infection)

 Relative Contraindications

    Bleeding diatheses

    Known bacteremia

RISKS/CONSENT ISSUES

 Potential for introducing infection (sterile technique must be utilized)

 Procedure can cause pain and discomfort (if no anesthetic allergy exists, local anesthesia will be given)

 Needle puncture can cause localized bleeding

 Reaccumulation of fluid may occur

 Risk of injuring articular cartilage with needle tip

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