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Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

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KEY POINTS

  • Joint aspiration is a way to remove fluid from a joint, such as a hip, knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder, knuckle, or toe joint.
  • Joint aspiration may be done to relieve pain and swelling, or to get a sample of fluid for testing.
  • Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
  • Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is joint aspiration?

Joint aspiration is a way to remove fluid from a joint, such as a hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, knuckle, ankle or toe joint. It’s most often done to remove fluid from the knee joint. If you have discomfort in your joint, removing fluid may help your joint feel better.

This procedure is also called arthrocentesis.

When is it used?

Infection, injuries, gout, arthritis, and other problems can cause fluid to form in your joints. Joint aspiration is used to:

  • Remove fluid that may be causing pain and swelling and may be limiting joint movement
  • Get a sample of fluid for testing. Testing joint fluid can help your healthcare provider figure out the cause of your symptoms.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Your healthcare provider will talk about your choices for treatment and explain the procedure and any risks. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do and how long it will take you to recover. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you.

What happens during the procedure?

Your healthcare provider will clean the skin around the joint. You may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area so that the procedure will not be painful.

Your provider will put a needle into the space around your joint to remove the fluid. Your provider may use ultrasound (sound waves) or X-rays to guide the needle to the right place.

The fluid may be tested in a lab.

You may be given medicine into the space around the joint to treat or prevent swelling and irritation.

What happens after the procedure?

You can go home after the procedure.

To keep swelling down and help relieve pain:

  • Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the sore area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
  • Take nonprescription pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take these medicines for more than 10 days.
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age.
    • Acetaminophen may cause liver damage or other problems. Unless recommended by your provider, don't take more than 3000 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours. To make sure you don’t take too much, check other medicines you take to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Ask your provider if you need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
  • Your healthcare provider may recommend putting an elastic bandage on the joint.
  • Avoid stressing the joint. For example, don’t walk a lot if fluid was removed from your knee or toe. Avoid lifting objects if fluid was removed from your wrist or elbow.

Ask your provider:

  • How and when you will get your test results
  • How long it will take to recover
  • If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
  • How to take care of yourself at home
  • What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

  • You may have problems with anesthesia.
  • You may have infection or bleeding.

Ask your healthcare provider how the risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-03-23
Last reviewed: 2015-06-29
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.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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