The idea of having a needle inserted directly into one of your joints may not immediately seem attractive. However, our doctors can actually can do this quickly and safely. During this procedure, a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the joint. Joint aspiration is typically performed as an office procedure or at the bedside of hospitalized patients.

Joint aspiration is used to obtain joint fluid for examination in the laboratory. Analysis of joint fluid can help to define causes of joint swelling or inflammation. Joint fluid can be tested for white cell count, crystals, protein, glucose, as well as cultured to detect infection.

Joint Aspiration at a Glance A joint aspiration can help relieve pain, better direct medication and allow the physician to more completely analyze the situation. Some joints are more easily aspirated and injected than others Examining joint fluid that is aspirated may provide a specific diagnosis or narrow diagnostic possibilities. Joint injection allows our physician to medicate directly at the site of the disease

The skin over the joint is sterilized. A local anesthetic is used either by injection, topical liquid freezing, or both. A needle with a syringe attached is then carefully inserted within the joint and fluid is sucked back (aspirated) into the syringe. If indicated, medication is injected back into the joint through the same needle. The needle is then removed and a band-aid or dressing is applied over the entry point.

Are there risks? Fortunately few. Infection is an extremely rare occurrence after a joint aspiration or injection as long as the puncture is not made through diseased skin. Any rare bleeding can be stopped with simple pressure on some gauze and then a band aid.

Which joints are most often injected?

Some joints are more easily aspirated and injected than others. Knees typically are most often treated. Other commonly injected joints include the shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist, thumb and small joints of the hands and feet. Relatively less accessible joints such as hips may be done under X-ray or ultrasound guidance.