Answer:

Knee joint aspiration is not harmful when performed with proper indications, correct technique, and sterile conditions. This procedure removes fluid from the joint, alleviating discomfort, reducing pain, and improving mobility restricted by excessive fluid accumulation.

In some cases, joint aspiration is also performed for diagnostic testing to identify inflammatory cells, gout crystals, or bacteria, helping determine the cause of the effusion. If joint fluid recurs, doctors may still recommend repeat aspiration to alleviate symptoms or continue assessing the patient's condition.

Doctor Oanh examines a patient before performing knee joint aspiration. *Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Knee joint effusion can occur following injury or be associated with osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, or joint infection. In cases where the cause of knee effusion is unclear or accompanied by inflammatory signs such as swelling, warmth, redness, and severe pain, doctors may recommend joint aspiration for fluid analysis. Fluid analysis can help differentiate conditions like microcrystalline arthritis, arthritis, and joint infection.

If a patient has undergone aspiration multiple times but the knee frequently swells and hurts again, doctors may need to conduct further assessments, including a clinical examination, laboratory tests, and appropriate imaging diagnostics, to identify the precise cause of internal joint damage. However, knee joint aspiration primarily offers symptom relief and does not definitively treat the underlying cause of the effusion, which means the condition may recur.

Joint aspiration is a relatively safe procedure when performed with the correct technique. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, or damage to adjacent structures such as tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly or sterile conditions are not maintained.

Therefore, patients should not attempt to aspirate fluid themselves or proactively request aspiration every time their knee swells and hurts without a specialist's evaluation. The frequency of aspiration and the decision to repeat it depend on the fluid volume, symptom severity, the underlying cause of the effusion, and the purpose of each aspiration.

Patients should visit a hospital with an Orthopedics and Rheumatology department for examination and consultation if their knee suddenly experiences severe swelling and pain, warmth, redness, or difficulty/inability to move, especially if accompanied by a fever. These symptoms could indicate septic arthritis, requiring early assessment to prevent joint damage.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Oanh

Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic