What is arthrocentesis?

Arthrocentesis is a long word for a fairly simple idea. Here is what it means, without assuming any background.

Fluid drawn from a joint

Cleveland Clinic explains that arthrocentesis, also called joint aspiration, is a simple procedure to draw fluid from your joint through a hollow needle.

Other joint procedures you may hear about

Other joint procedures have their own pages. The Cleveland Clinic page on cortisone shots covers steroid injections, the Cleveland Clinic page on knee gel injections covers viscosupplementation, and the Cleveland Clinic page on bursa injections covers shots for bursitis pain. Reading them side by side can help you tell which one a provider is talking about.

Preparing for the conversation

If someone recommends this procedure, ask them in your own words what it is meant to find out or relieve. The Cleveland Clinic article on arthrocentesis and joint aspiration is the source used here and is a good page to bring with you.

If you are near Woodland Park and have a swollen or sore joint, book a visit to talk it through with a clinician.

Asking for plain language

Ask for the plain-language version of any procedure before you agree to it.