Arthrocentesis in the emergency department

Abstract

Arthrocentesis consists of puncturing a joint in order to extract intraarticular fluid, either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Generally, not all patient who present to the emergency service with characteristic of swelling, pain and functional impotence of a joint require an arthrocentesis, so it has become essential to identify the cases in which it is warranted in the emergency service. It has been shown that with an adequate technique and under the correct aseptic measures it can be a safe practice, however, it is not considered an entirely harmless procedure. The most feared complication is bacterial inoculation, which can cause septic arthritis, as well as other non-infectious complications such as tendon rupture, nerve atrophy, skin changes, or even osteonecrosis. Currently, intraarticular infiltration of substances, such as glucocorticoids, has been implemented as a therapeutic measure due to the increase in degenerative diseases that compromise the joints, especially large joints such as the knee or hip. Since the indications for arthrocentesis are not entirely clear, this bibliographical review exposes some important aspects to consider when deciding whether to perform arthrocentesis in the emergency service.