Peripheral Joint Arthrocentesis – Shoulders, Knees, Hips

Arthrocentesis, commonly known as joint aspiration, is a minor surgical procedure that involves draining fluid from a joint with a sterile needle and syringe.  This may be performed for diagnostic and treatment purposes in patients with swelling, inflammation and pain within joints such as the shoulders, knees and hips.

Peripheral joint arthrocentesis is performed under local anesthetic and involves inserting a needle with a syringe attached to it into the affected. Joint.  Fluid within the joint is sucked (aspirated) into the syringe and then sent to our laboratory for complete testing. The results of this testing can determine the cause of joint swelling or arthritis and help patients achieve effective symptom relief.   In some cases, cortisone medication may be injected into the joint during this procedure in order to relieve pain and swelling.

This procedure is considered safe for most patients with only minor risks of bruising and bleeding at the site of the injection.