Joint effusion explained

Joint effusion
Field:Orthopedics, rheumatology

A joint effusion is the presence of increased intra-articular fluid.[1] It may affect any joint. Commonly it involves the knee (see knee effusion).

Diagnostic approach

The approach to diagnosis depends on the joint involved. While aspiration of the joint is considered the gold standard of treatment, this can be difficult for joints such as the hip. Ultrasound may be used both to verify the existence of an effusion and to guide aspiration.[2]

Differential diagnosis

There are many causes of joint effusion. It may result from trauma, inflammation, hematologic conditions, or infections.[1]

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is the purulent invasion of a joint by an infectious agent[3] with a resultant large effusion due to inflammation.[4] Septic arthritis is a serious condition. It can lead to irreversible joint damage in the event of delayed diagnosis or mismanagement. It is basically a disease of children and adolescence.[3]

Gout

Gout is usually present with recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis (red, tender, hot, swollen joint). It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Gout affects 1% of individuals in Western populations at some point in their lives.[5]

Trauma

Trauma from ligamentous, osseous or meniscal injuries can result in an effusion.[6] These are often hemarthrosis or bloody effusions.

Treatment

The treatment for Joint effusion include icing, rest and medication as advised by your doctor.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Mathison DJ, Teach SJ . Approach to knee effusions . Pediatr Emerg Care . 25 . 11 . 773–786; quiz 787–788 . November 2009 . 19915432 . 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181bec987 . 1701019 .
  2. Book: Marx, John . Rosen's emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice . 7th . 2010 . Mosby/Elsevier . Philadelphia . 978-0323054720 . Chapter 53 .
  3. El-Sobky . T . Mahmoud . S . Acute osteoarticular infections in children are frequently forgotten multidiscipline emergencies: beyond the technical skills. . EFORT Open Reviews . July 2021 . 6 . 7 . 584–592 . 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200155 . 34377550. 8335954 .
  4. Book: Marx, John . Rosen's emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice . 7th . 2010 . Mosby/Elsevier . Philadelphia . 978-0323054720 . Chapter 134 .
  5. Chen LX, Schumacher HR . Gout: an evidence-based review . J Clin Rheumatol . 14 . 5 Suppl . S55–62 . October 2008 . 18830092 . 10.1097/RHU.0b013e3181896921 . 6644013 .
  6. Johnson MW . Acute knee effusions: a systematic approach to diagnosis . Am Fam Physician . 61 . 8 . 2391–2400 . April 2000 . 10794580 .
  7. Web site: A to Z: Joint Effusion. KidsHealth.