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Collection of Joint Fluid:
Arthrocentesis |
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Arthrocentesis can generally be performed
with light sedation of the animal. Obviously distended joints should be aspirated. If the
patient displays signs of a polyarthropathy, without apparent joint swelling, multiple
joints should be tapped. The joints that are easiest to tap include: carpi, stifles, and
shoulders. The hair should be shaved over the joint and the skin cleansed with an
antiseptic solution. Sterile gloves should be worn. A 20 gauge needle and 3 ml syringe are
used. Arthrocentesis of the stifle joint can be performed either medial or lateral to the
straight patellar ligament. The joint is flexed. Digital pressure on the opposite side of
the patellar ligament will distend the joint. The point of entry is approximately midway
between the proximal aspect of the patella and the tibial tuberosity. The needle is
directed toward the intercondylar space.
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The carpal joint can be entered at the
radiocarpal or intercarpal joint on the anterior surface of the joint. Flex the carpus to
widen the joint spaces. The needle is inserted perpendicular to the joint. Enter the joint
without pulling back on the plunger of the syringe. Aspirate when the needle is in the
joint. Joint fluid is viscous and will flow slowly into the syringe. |
Unless the joint is markedly distended, expect to obtain a few
drops up to a few tenths of a ml from the carpal joint. Stop
aspirating before removing the needle from the joint, to prevent contamination of the
joint fluid with blood from adjacent tissues. The sample is smeared on slides or if
sufficient in volume, placed in an EDTA tube for cytologic analysis. A portion of the
sample can be saved for possible bacteriologic culture, depending upon cytologic results.The shoulder
joint is aspirated from the lateral side of the joint. Run your finger down the spine of
the scapula until you reach the acromion. The needle is inserted just distal to the
acromion
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Revised
June 19, 2004
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