< b>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.
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