joint effusion
{{short description|Swelling of a joint}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = Joint effusion
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| image = Kneeffusion.JPG
| caption = A traumatic right knee effusion. Note the swelling lateral to the kneecap as marked by the arrow.
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| field = Orthopedics, rheumatology
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A joint effusion is the presence of increased intra-articular fluid.{{cite journal |vauthors=Mathison DJ, Teach SJ |title=Approach to knee effusions |journal=Pediatr Emerg Care |volume=25 |issue=11 |pages=773–786; quiz 787–788 |date=November 2009 |pmid=19915432 |doi=10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181bec987 |s2cid=1701019 }} 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.{{cite book |title=Rosen's emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice |edition=7th |last=Marx |first=John |year=2010 |publisher=Mosby/Elsevier |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0323054720 |chapter=Chapter 53 }}
File:Knee effusion.jpg|Skyline view of the patella demonstrating a large joint effusion as marked by the arrow.
File:Sail sign.jpg|A schematic drawing showing the sail sign which represents an effusion.
=Differential diagnosis=
{{Synovial fluid analysis}}
There are many causes of joint effusion. It may result from trauma, inflammation, hematologic conditions, or infections.
==Septic arthritis==
Septic arthritis is the purulent invasion of a joint by an infectious agent{{DorlandsDict|one/000008993|septic arthritis}}{{cite journal |last1=El-Sobky |first1=T |last2=Mahmoud |first2=S |title=Acute osteoarticular infections in children are frequently forgotten multidiscipline emergencies: beyond the technical skills. |journal=EFORT Open Reviews |date=July 2021 |volume=6 |issue=7 |pages=584–592 |doi=10.1302/2058-5241.6.200155 |pmid=34377550|pmc=8335954 }} with a resultant large effusion due to inflammation.{{cite book |title=Rosen's emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice |edition=7th |last=Marx |first=John |year=2010 |publisher=Mosby/Elsevier |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0323054720 |chapter= Chapter 134 }} 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.
==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.{{cite journal |vauthors=Chen LX, Schumacher HR |title=Gout: an evidence-based review |journal=J Clin Rheumatol |volume=14 |issue=5 Suppl |pages=S55–62 |date=October 2008 |pmid=18830092 |doi=10.1097/RHU.0b013e3181896921 |s2cid=6644013 }}
==Trauma==
Trauma from ligamentous, osseous or meniscal injuries can result in an effusion.{{cite journal |author=Johnson MW |title=Acute knee effusions: a systematic approach to diagnosis |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=61 |issue=8 |pages=2391–2400 |date=April 2000 |pmid=10794580 }} These are often hemarthrosis or bloody effusions.{{cn|date=June 2022}}
Treatment
The treatment for joint effusion includes icing, rest and medication as advised by your doctor.{{cite web|title=A to Z: Joint Effusion
|publisher=KidsHealth|url=https://kidshealth.org/AetnaBetterHealthKentucky/en/parents/az-joint-effusion.html}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Medical resources
| DiseasesDB = 15237
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|M|25|4|M|00}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|719.0}}
}}