What is surgical puncture of a joint?

Surgical puncture of a joint, also known as arthrocentesis, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into a joint space to withdraw fluid or inject medication. It is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Diagnostic

Arthrocentesis can be performed to obtain synovial fluid for analysis, which can help diagnose various joint conditions, including:

* Infections such as septic arthritis

* Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

* Crystal-induced diseases such as gout and pseudogout

* Trauma

* Tumors

Therapeutic

Arthrocentesis can also be performed to treat certain joint conditions, such as:

* Removal of excess synovial fluid to relieve pain and swelling

* Injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

* Injection of hyaluronic acid to improve joint lubrication

* Injection of antibiotics to treat infections

* Injection of stem cells to promote healing

Procedure

Arthrocentesis is typically performed in an outpatient setting. The patient is positioned comfortably and the skin over the joint is sterilized. A local anesthetic is then injected to numb the area.

Once the area is numb, the doctor inserts a needle into the joint space. The needle is connected to a syringe, which is then used to aspirate synovial fluid from the joint.

The synovial fluid is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. If necessary, the doctor may also inject medication into the joint.

Risks

Arthrocentesis is a relatively safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, including:

* Bleeding

* Infection

* Nerve damage

* Damage to the joint

These risks are rare, but it is important to be aware of them before undergoing the procedure.

Recovery

After arthrocentesis, the patient may experience some pain and swelling in the joint. This is typically mild and will resolve within a few days. The patient may be advised to rest the joint and avoid strenuous activity for a period of time.