Etymed
arthrocentesis
Definition
surgical puncture of a joint cavity for the removal of fluid
Clinical context
A 28-year-old basketball player presents with severe knee pain and swelling after a collision during practice. Physical examination reveals a distended joint with effusion. The physician performs arthrocentesis to both diagnose the cause of the joint pathology and provide symptomatic relief.
Mnemonic
ART of joint fluid removal - ARthrocentesis