Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)
What is arthrocentesis?
Arthrocentesis is a procedure for removing fluid from a joint.
When is it used?
The procedure is used to remove uncomfortable amounts of fluid
from a joint or to get a sample of joint fluid for testing.
Testing joint fluid can help your healthcare provider figure out
the cause of the pain or swelling you are having in your joint.
Infection or gout, among other conditions, can cause fluid to form
in joints, resulting in pain or swelling.
How do I prepare for arthrocentesis?
Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
What happens during the procedure?
Your healthcare provider will clean the area around the joint and
may give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. Your provider
will insert a needle into the joint cavity and withdraw fluid.
After removing the needle, your provider will put pressure on the
place where the needle was inserted and may put a bandage on it.
He or she will send the fluid sample to a lab for tests. You may
be given shots into the joint that prevent inflammation, with or
without pain medicine.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after the procedure.
- You may need to put ice on the joint 20 to 30 minutes every 3
or 4 hours until the pain goes away.
- You may need to put an elastic bandage on the joint.
- For pain you may take acetaminophen, aspirin, or medicine
given to you by your healthcare provider.
- You should avoid stressing the joint.
Ask your healthcare provider what other steps you should take and
when you should come back for a checkup.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
Removing fluid may help your joint feel better. The procedure may
also help your healthcare provider make a better diagnosis.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- A local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you
may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may
have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of
anesthesia.
- More fluid may form in the joint.
- You may have infection or bleeding.
You should ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to
you.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your provider if:
- You have swelling.
- There is drainage from the puncture area.
- You develop a fever.
- You have pain that gets worse even though you are taking pain
medicine.
- The area is red and warm.
Call during office hours if:
- You have questions about the procedure or its result.
- You want to make another appointment.
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Published by
RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2005-08-11
Last reviewed: 2007-07-20
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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