Our Joint aspiration Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Joint aspiration

Definition of Joint aspiration

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Joint aspiration: A procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain joint fluid from the joint. This is usually done as an office procedure or at the bedside in the hospital. The procedure is also known medically as arthrocentesis.

For an arthrocentesis, the skin over the joint is sterilized with a liquid. Local anesthetic is applied to the area of the joint either by injection or topical liquid freezing, or both. A needle with a syringe attached is inserted within the joint and fluid is sucked back (aspirated). For certain conditions medication is put into the joint after fluid removal. The needle is then removed and a bandaid or dressing is applied over the entry point.

Joint fluid is typically sent for examination to the lab to determine the cause of the joint swelling, such as infection, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthrocentesis can be helpful in relieving joint swelling and pain. Occasionally, cortisone medications are injected into the joint during the arthrocentesis in order to rapidly relieve joint inflammation and further reduce symptoms.

Common Misspellings: joint asperation

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
• Gout - Gout and hyperuricemia are caused by uric acid crystals building up in the body. Read how diet changes--avoiding alcohol and high purine foods--prevent painful attacks and gout pain.
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