Best Practice Case Studies-Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection

Pdf Summary

The article discusses knee joint aspiration and injection procedures, focusing on their applications, methods, contraindications, and complications. These procedures are performed to diagnose knee joint conditions, alleviate discomfort, and treat issues like infections, effusions, or arthritis by draining fluid or injecting medication. The knee is the most accessible joint for aspiration, with procedures intended to maximize local benefits and minimize systemic side effects, such as corticosteroid injections offering relief for knee osteoarthritis with significant effusions.<br /><br />Common indications for arthrocentesis include unexplained joint effusion, crystal-induced arthropathy, hemarthrosis, and symptomatic relief from effusion, while contraindications comprise conditions like bacteremia, joint prosthesis, and co-existing soft tissue infections. The procedure involves using a sterile set-up to aspirate fluid from the knee joint, typically through a lateral approach. Potential complications during the procedure include pain from needle contact with cartilage, the rare introduction of infection, post-injection flare, and joint instability due to repeated injections. Careful technique and experience are critical, with family physicians encouraged to seek additional training for procedures on deeper or more complex joints. Notably, repeated corticosteroid injections should be limited to prevent joint damage.<br /><br />The article also outlines the equipment and step-by-step procedure for joint aspiration, emphasizing patient positioning, preparation, and the importance of sterile technique. After fluid extraction, it can be sent for further analysis. Post-procedural guidance includes the management of joint infections and recommendations for dealing with recurrent effusions or pain. Ultimately, the piece underscores the significance of both clinical skill and the judicious use of corticosteroid injections in the management of joint diseases.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 48

Topic Rheumatology

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 48

3rd Edition

Rheumatology

knee joint aspiration

injection procedures

arthritis treatment

joint effusion

corticosteroid injections

arthrocentesis indications

sterile technique

post-injection complications

joint infection management

clinical skill