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104 7 Arthrocentesis Technique

an angle that is perpendicular to the long axis of the femur (Video 7.6). If straight insertion does
not allow for joint aspiration, the needle should be redirected slightly ventrally. Alternatively, the
needle may be inserted cranially to the greater trochanter at ~45° angling caudomedially.
Positioning the needle caudal to the greater trochanter or angling the needle toward the caudal
aspect of the acetabulum should be avoided to prevent iatrogenic trauma to the sciatic nerve.
Ventral aspiration has been described but is rarely performed.

Video 7.6:

Procedural details for aspiration of the hip joint.

References

Adams, S.B., Moore, G.E., Elrashidy, M. et al. (2010). Effect of needle size and type, reuse of needles,
insertion speed, and removal of hair on contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair after
arthrocentesis. Veterinary Surgery 39 (6): 667–673.
Clements, D. (2006). Arthrocentesis and synovial fluid analysis in dogs and cats. In Practice 28 (5):
256–262.
Degner, D.A. (2014). Arthrocentesis in dogs. Clinician’s Brief. https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/
arthrocentesis‐dogs (accessed 31 January 2019).
Steel, C.M., Pannirselvam, R.R., and Anderson, G.A. (2013). Risk of septic arthritis after intra‐articular
medication: a study of 16,624 injections in Thoroughbred racehorses. Australian Veterinary Journal
91 (7): 268–273.
Van Oostrom, H. and Knowles, T.G. (2018). The clinical efficacy of EMLA cream for intravenous
catheter placement in client‐owned dogs. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 45 (5): 604–608.
Wahl, K., Adams, S.B., and Moore, G.E. (2012). Contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair
after arthrocentesis: the effect of needle insertion angle, spinal needle gauge, and insertion of spinal
needles with and without a stylet. Veterinary Surgery 41 (3): 391–398.
Waxman, S.J., Adams, S.B., and Moore, G.E. (2015). Effect of needle brand, needle bevel grind, and
silicone lubrication on contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis.
Veterinary Surgery 44 (3): 373–378.