Why is this procedure done?
Arthrocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid in the joints. It may be done to find out the cause of a joint problem, ease pain, or drain infected fluid or blood. The joint is a place where two bones meet. Joints let the body move freely. Joints have a substance called synovial fluid. This fluid helps the joints glide smoothly against each other when moving. ‚
What will the results be?
Arthrocentesis may help find the cause of your joint problem. The problem may be treated as well. You may have less pain and improved movement in your joints. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- The doctor will clean the skin near the joint.
- The doctor will put a needle into the joint area. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to guide the needle. The doctor will then draw up the joint fluid into the syringe.
- The doctor will put pressure on the site to stop any bleeding. The doctor will cover the site with a clean bandage.
- The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
Your doctor will send the joint fluid to a lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you will know the results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep the area and bandage dry for 24 hours after the procedure. You can take the dressing off after that time.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Still have fluid build-up in the joints
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; redness, pain, bleeding or pus at needle site.
- Pain that does not go away
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/arthrocentesis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚