|
There are two main indications for arthrocentesis: diagnostic and therapeutic (3). The focus of this chapter will be the diagnostic indications.
This simple procedure allows the physician to collect synovial fluid from the suspected joint and evaluate it for pathologic conditions including infection, inflammation (crystal arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), and non-inflammatory (traumatic, osteoarthritis) processes. The following are generally accepted indications for diagnostic arthrocentesis (3):
- Unexplained arthritis with synovial effusion
- Suspicion of septic arthritis
- Suspicion of crystal-induced arthritis
- Evaluation of therapeutic response in septic arthritis
|
|
Arthrocentesis can also be used therapeutically for the following:
- Drainage of a septic joint
- Relief of elevated intra-articular pressure
- Injection of medications (steroids, anesthetics).
Back | Next
|
