Knee Aspiration Procedure

Sports Medicine Doctor NYC and Physical Therapy Clinic In Brookyn, NY

The knee can get affected in injuries, joint conditions or systemic illnesses, leading to pain and swelling of the knee joint. Knee swelling(Water On The Knee) is mainly accumulation of fluid in or around the joint. Knee effusion commonly occurs due to acute trauma, arthritis and other forms of joint disorders or infection. In such situations, knee aspiration (arthrocentesis) is performed for aspiration of excess fluid. At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance our medical providers will help you diagnose and treat this condition. Knee aspiration is a procedure in which a sterile needle and syringe is used to drain the excess fluid accumulated in the knee joint. It is generally performed under local anesthesia. The drained fluid can be sent for synovial fluid analysis, which can help to detect various conditions causing knee swelling. Sometimes, drainage of sufficient amounts of excess fluid can also help in reducing the pain and swelling thus providing some relief. At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance our Sports Medicine Doctor performs all Knee Aspiration procedures under the ultrasound imaging guidance. Knee joint aspiration is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

• To evaluate joint effusion
• To identify intra-articular fracture
• To assess unexplained monoarticular arthritis
• To evaluate possible infective or septic arthritis
• To evaluate type of arthritis and joint related conditions
• To determine presence of crystal induced conditions like gout
• To determine the nature of accumulated fluid and cytology studies in synovial fluid analysis.

• Relieving Tense Effusion – When knee swelling is large or tense or pain causes discomfort, drainage of fluid helps to relieve the pressure and pain. Reduction in swelling and decreased tension aids in improving joint movement.
• Drainage of Infected Fluid – In a known infective condition, drainage of septic effusion can help in providing relief, improve joint movement and prevent damage to the joint.
• Injection of Medications into the Knee Joint – Knee aspiration and injection is at times performed to provide relief in joint conditions.

How Is Knee Aspiration Performed?

Using aseptic precautions, the swollen knee joint is examined and appropriate site is chosen. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic and a local anesthetic is used to make the site numb. The needle is inserted into the joint space and the synovial fluid is drained out. Medications may be injected into the space if required and the needle is taken out.

In most cases, removal of excess fluid provides great relief in reducing swelling, pain and also improves joint movement. Further medications and joint compression helps to prevent recurrence. While improvement continues; complete relief may be obtained in few weeks to months depending on the underlying cause of knee swelling. In some cases appropriate repair procedures may have to be performed. It is important to follow medical advice regarding rest, movement of legs and other activities. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure. Notify your sports medicine physician to report any of the following:

• Fever
• Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the aspiration site
• Increased pain around the aspiration site

Healthcare provider may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. Knee aspiration and injection is introduction of medications into the joint space following fluid aspiration. Medications like steroids, antibiotics or other medications may be instilled into the knee joint depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Injection of corticosteroid for the treatment of osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee joint injection, and is performed as an office procedure.Local steroid injection can provide considerable relief, reduce discomfort and is often found helpful in acute exacerbations of chronic joint conditions that cause large knee effusion. Sometimes, after the injection, the joint may get inflamed for which appropriate treatment is given.

How Sports Medicine Doctor at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance Can Help?

You should seek a consultation of a Sports Medicine Specialist for you knee pain if you experience the following warning signs:

• Pain that lasts more than 48 hours If you have pain deep in the knee joint for more than a day or two you should get checked by a knee pain specialist. The knee joint isn’t covered by muscle so pain here is rarely of muscular origin. Some of the causes of pain deep within the joint include and injury to the meniscus and to the cartilage that covers and supports the joint. The meniscus is referred to as the ‘shock absorber’ in the knee, and it covers the ends of the leg bones to allow smooth flexion and extension of the knee during walking and running. If the meniscus tears, it not only limits the smooth range of motion of the joint, but it can cause a feeling of deep knee pain.
• Swelling that lasts more than 48 hours The first thing that happens after an acute injury is swelling around the site of the injury. When soft tissue is damaged, it swells or possibly bleeds internally. This swelling causes pain and loss of motion, which limits the use of the muscles or joints. Swelling is usually obvious and can be seen, but occasionally you may just feel as though something is swollen even though it looks normal. Swelling within a joint often causes pain, stiffness, and may produce a clicking sound as the tendons snap over one another after having been pushed into a new position from the swelling.
• Loss of range-of-motion in the joint Reduced range-of-motion can indicate significant internal swelling, as well as other joint injuries. If you have limited range-of-motion for more than a day, you should contact a sports physician.
• Instability or feeling that the knee will give out Any instability in the knee joint or any sensation that the knee may give out or collapse may indicate a ligament injury to the knee. The knee ligaments provide support and stability to the joint and instability; if they are stretched or torn due to an injury, instability is one of the most obvious warning signs.

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