Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)
Care Before the Procedure
- Inform your doctor about medications, especially blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Avoid topical creams or ointments on the joint before the procedure.
- Wear loose clothing for easy access to the joint.
- Allergies or previous reactions to local anesthesia should be reported.
Care During the Procedure
- The joint area is cleaned with antiseptic and local anesthesia is applied.
- A sterile needle is inserted to withdraw fluid from the joint.
- Fluid may be sent to the lab for analysis.
- The procedure usually takes a few minutes and is generally well tolerated.
Care After the Procedure
- Apply pressure and a small dressing to prevent bleeding.
- Rest the joint and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
- Mild pain or swelling may occur; use prescribed medications if needed.
- Report redness, warmth, increased swelling, or fever immediately.
- Follow-up may include review of lab results and further treatment.
Eligibility
- Patients with swollen, painful, or stiff joints.
- Suspected joint infections (septic arthritis).
- Individuals with gout or pseudogout to identify crystal deposits.
- Monitoring inflammatory or autoimmune joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Relief of joint pressure and pain caused by fluid accumulation.
- Inform your doctor about medications, especially blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Avoid topical creams or ointments on the joint before the procedure.
- Wear loose clothing for easy access to the joint.
- Allergies or previous reactions to local anesthesia should be reported.
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Our Internal Medicine service offers both primary and specialist consultative care for adults with acute illnesses, chronic conditions and complex multisystem problems. With physicians who manage long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and respiratory conditions, while also treating infections, injuries and musculoskeletal concerns. We offer consultant-led inpatient care through a dedicated hospitalist service and an Acute Medicine Unit with 24-hour doctor and nurse coverage, supported by round-the-clock diagnostics (radiology, pathology and microbiology). Advanced treatments include non-invasive ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, plasmapheresis and coordinated plasma therapies, together with integrated physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Our team works closely with surgical and speciality colleagues for complex cases, and we provide home-care, adult immunisation, preventive & executive health checks, and visa medicals for international patients.
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