Arthrocentesis is a commonly performed procedure consisting of the aspiration of synovial fluid from a joint for diagnostic purposes or for the administration of various agents to treat inflammatory conditions. The procedure can be quickly and safely performed in the Emergency Department on various joints of the body including the knee, wrist, ankle, elbow, shoulder, metatarsals, and metacarpals (1). The procedure is commonly performed in the emergency room as a method for diagnosing an infected joint (2). This chapter will discuss indications, contraindications, and the steps involved in performing an arthrocentesis for each joint that can be safely aspirated in the ED setting.

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Samuel Shen, MD
Resident Physician in Emergency Medicine
Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Editoral
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Dr Elinor Mody

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Department

Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts

 

Gary Setnik, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts

 

Rob Shaffer, MD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts

 

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Todd W. Thomsen, MD
Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
   

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