Joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, involves draining fluid from a joint with a sterile needle and a syringe. It is a minor surgical procedure performed on patients for diagnostic purposes or treatment of patients with swelling, inflammation, and joint pain in their shoulders, hips, and knees. 

Peripheral Joint Arthrocentesis Procedure

We perform peripheral joint arthrocentesis under local anesthetic. A needle is inserted into the affected joint, and fluid is pulled out of the joint into the syringe. That fluid is sent to our laboratory for testing to determine the cause for the inflammation or swelling. 

In some cases, we can also inject medication into the same joint, such as cortisone, to relieve pain and swelling. The procedure is safe for most patients and usually only includes minor bruising or bleeding at the injection site. 

Fluid from the peripheral joint arthrocentesis can give us an idea of the cause of the pain and swelling, allowing us to create the best treatment plan for you. For some patients, a cortisone injection at the same time is enough to alleviate the pain. Others may need more significant treatment plans. 

Let Princeton Orthopaedic Associates find the best path to get you back to a pain-free life.