Today, many people of all age groups are faced with joint problems. There are a huge number of diseases that can be associated with metabolic disorders, the presence of inflammation, as well as mechanical damage and tumor formations. In this article, we will look at what joint puncture is, learn about the technique of its implementation and all the complexities of the procedure. The puncture helps the specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment, so this procedure is very important.
Joint puncture: types
A lot of people are afraid of the very word "puncture" and try to avoid this procedure in every possible way. However, you definitely shouldn't be afraid of it. During its implementation, the joint is pierced with a needle, and this is done either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
If the specialist said that you need to study the joint fluid, then this suggests that you will have to agree to a procedure such as puncture of the joints. By holdingsuch a study, it can be established that the joint fluid contains blood, specific bodies of a protein nature, various infectious agents, as well as tumor cells. The joint fluid will be studied using a large number of laboratory tests. This procedure is usually performed by doctors before the process of prosthetics or arthroscopy.
Also, puncture of the joints can be carried out for therapeutic purposes. In this case, a pathogenic fluid will be pumped out of the joint itself. For example, pus, blood, and inflammatory exudate may be removed. Medications may also be injected into the joint area. Typically, specialists use antibiotics, steroid hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Main indications for the procedure
Puncture of the knee joint is prescribed by doctors very often. Consider the most basic cases when this procedure is necessary:
- Acute inflammatory processes in the joint itself with accumulating fluid, as well as the presence of pus.
- In the presence of chronic inflammatory processes in the joint. In this case, the puncture can have both a diagnostic and a therapeutic effect.
- Puncture of the knee joint can be performed if the patient has received a mechanical injury, and as a result, fluid has begun to accumulate in the joint.
- The procedure can be performed for allergic joint lesions and other dangerous diseases, such as tuberculosis, lupus, rheumatism and brucellosis.
- Doctors must use a needlefor a joint before a planned operation on it.
Experts strongly recommend not to ignore a procedure such as puncture of the elbow joint, because very often it can help to establish the most correct diagnosis.
Joint puncture: execution technique
Thanks to modern technology and highly qualified doctors, this procedure can be performed on almost any joint of the human body. Most often, this operation is performed on the elbow, knee, hip area, as well as on the shoulder and ankle.
This procedure will be carried out by an experienced specialist in the field of orthopedics and traumatology. The doctor will be well versed in the structure of the joints, bones, muscles and nerves, so he will not damage the vital parts of the human body.
The puncture of the hip joint, as well as other joints, is carried out very carefully. On each joint, the maximum safe point is selected. For example, if the procedure will be performed on the ankle, then the injection will be made into its outer surface. If on the knee, then the specialist will make an injection in the region of the anterior-inner surface.
This procedure is very similar to the operation of taking the bone marrow. The doctor will follow all the rules of sterility, so you don’t have to worry about infection. First, the specialist will treat the surface of the skin with antibacterial agents. You will then be given anesthesia to help eliminatepainful sensations. Within a couple of minutes after the onset of anesthesia, the doctor will begin the main part of the procedure. To do this, he will take a thicker needle than with the introduction of an anesthetic, and puncture the joint. With the help of a wide needle, it will be possible to remove various substances that have a viscous structure from it. After that, the needle is pulled out, and the damaged area is hidden under an antibacterial bandage.
This is how joints are punctured. The technique for small and large joints does not have much difference. However, the procedure for the hip joint is carried out under ultrasound guidance. This is done in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the ligaments and bones.
Are there complications after the procedure?
The technique of knee puncture in very rare cases can lead to negative consequences. However, this occurs in only 0.1 percent of all cases. But still, it is worth familiarizing yourself with all sorts of complications that can develop when taking joint fluid:
- various anatomical structures such as cartilage, bones, nerves or muscles can sometimes be damaged;
- very rarely there is a hemorrhage in the cavity of the joint itself;
- even less often, infectious microorganisms seep into the joint, due to which purulent inflammation may appear.
When should the procedure not be performed?
Puncture of the joint (the technique is described in detail in this article) is not indicated for patients in all cases. Doctor requiredshould take into account the individual characteristics of a person, because in some cases the procedure is still not recommended.
So, you should refuse to perform a puncture if the patient has large wounds, burns, inflammation or boils on the skin. In this case, there is a high probability that infection may occur during the procedure.
Also, puncture is contraindicated in the presence of deformities at the joint itself. It can be immobile or change its shape. In this case, there is a risk of injury to the bone.
Also, you should not perform the procedure on a patient who has had poor blood clotting, because this can lead to hemarthrosis.
Performing complex punctures
Punctures that are carried out in the region of the spine are considered difficult. In this case, the needle will be inserted into the lumbar region, between the vertebrae. Thanks to such manipulations, it is possible to detect the presence of a large number of diseases in the body. For example, various fungal infections, syphilis, hemorrhages, cancer of the brain or spinal cord, paralysis, various disorders of the nervous system, as well as multiple sclerosis, the presence of a herniated disc and many other dangerous pathologies.
How is this procedure done?
Usually, when performing a puncture in the lumbar region, the patient is in a supine position. However, this operation can be performed while sitting. Usually the piercing is done between the third and fourth vertebrae or between the fourth and fifth. In this case, the spinal cord will not be damaged. Skinthe patient will be treated with an antiseptic solution, and local anesthesia will be given using a very thin needle.
In fact, such a procedure is considered very complicated, so it is not always possible to carry it out the first time.
What to do after the puncture?
Quite often, patients encounter a disease such as bursitis of the elbow joint. Puncture in this case must be carried out without fail. After performing this procedure on the elbow, as well as on any other joint, it is very important to follow all the safety recommendations that your doctor will give. In the first two days after the procedure, in no case remove the bandage, and do not wet the damaged skin and do not apply compresses to it. This can lead to a serious joint infection that can be difficult to get rid of.
Elbow bursitis, which must be punctured by a qualified physician, is treated with antibiotics. As a rule, they are injected into the region of the joint itself. Be prepared for the appearance of severe pain after the anesthesia wears off. However, they will disappear within a couple of days after the procedure.
Also, many patients noticed that the joint begins to swell. Don't worry, this happens. During the recovery period after the puncture, try to limit motor activity, and also protect the joint from external environmental influences. Wednesday.
Also, a specialist can prescribe you special drugs that will help relieve pain and eliminate inflammation.
Conclusions
Joint puncture is a very important procedure that has a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed it to you, in no case do not refuse it. After all, with its help you can make an accurate diagnosis and choose the right treatment.
Take care of your he alth today. Consult a doctor and approach treatment responsibly.
