Arthrocentesis

Puncture of a joint space with a sterile needle in order to do either of the following:
  • Withdraw fluid for diagnosis and/or treatment of a condition
  • Inject medications into the joint space

Parts of the Body Involved

Any joint in the body

Reasons for Procedure

  • Diagnose and/or treat a painful, swollen, fluid-filled joint
  • Diagnose the specific type of arthritis occurring within a joint
  • Verify the presence of an infection, identify the causative agent, and follow the progress of antibiotic therapy
  • Check for crystals in the joint fluid, which would be a sign of gout
  • Inject medications into the joint space, such as an anesthetic or an anti-inflammatory agent, such as cortisone

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Infections of adjacent skin or surrounding soft tissue
  • Pre-existing bleeding disorder
  • Use of blood thinners (anticoagulants), with poorly controlled blood levels
  • Allergic reaction to local anesthetic

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do some or all of the following:
  • Examine your joint
  • X-ray
  • CT scan

Outcome

If arthrocentesis is done as a diagnostic test, the laboratory report on the fluid may reveal the reason for your joint inflammation.

If arthrocentesis is done to drain accumulated fluid, your problem may completely resolve. However, depending on the reason for the fluid accumulation, you may have a recurrence.

If medications are injected into the joint, they may help to decrease inflammation and to numb pain within the joint. Over time, these effects will wear off and you may require further treatment.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the site of the arthrocentesis