Knee effusion

From greek.doctor

A knee effusion is a fluid accumulation in the intra-articular space of the knee

  • May be serous, bloody, or purulent
  • Etiology
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Trauma
    • Crystal arthritis (gout)
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Septic arthritis (infection)
    • Ligament injuries
    • Meniscus injuries
  • Clinical features
    • Swelling around and above patella
    • Decreased ROM
    • Patellar ballottement
  • Diagnosis
    • Swift diagnosis of septic arthritis is important to reduce complication
    • X-ray
      • Check for OA or fracture
    • Joint aspiration
      • Detect bacteria, crystals, blood
    • MRI
      • Check for ligament injuries
  • Treatment
    • RICE
    • NSAIDs
    • Depends on underlying cause
    • Septic arthritis -> IV antibiotics