Prep area with betadine or chlorhexadine using circular motion moving away from joint x 3
Drape joint in sterile fashion
Inject lidocaine with 25-30ga needle superficially and then into deeper tissues
Insert 18ga needle (for larger joints) into joint space while pulling back on syringe
Stop once you aspirate fluid; aspirate as much fluid as possible
Send: cell count, culture, Gram Stain, crystal analysis
Send: cell count, culture, Gram Stain, crystal analysis
Sit patient upright facing you
Insert needle just lateral to coracoid process (between coracoid process and humeral head)
Direct needle posteriorly
Sit patient upright with back facing you
Palpate scapular spine to its lateral limit (the acromion)
Identify the posterolateral corner of the acromion
Insert 1.5-in needle 1 cm inferior and 1 cm medial to this corner
Direct needle anterior and medial toward presumed position of coracoid process
Glenohumeral joint is located at a depth of approximately 1-1.5in
Arthrocentesis: shoulder
Arthrocentesis: elbow
Arthrocentesis: knee
Arthrocentesis: hip
Arthrocentesis: ankle
Arthrocentesis: wrist
Arthrocentesis: finger
Arthrocentesis: toe