Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 8, Issue 12 665-667, Copyright © 1989 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographically guided arthrocentesis of the hip
D. S. Mayekawa, P. W. Ralls, R. M. Kerr, K. P. Lee, W. D. Boswell Jr and J. M. Halls
Department of Radiology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
High-resolution real-time sonography not only provides a noninvasive means
of diagnosing hip effusions, but also provides easy access for
arthrocentesis. Nineteen sonographically guided hip arthrocentesis were
performed in 18 patients. In 13 of 19 patients aspirated, capsular
distension was present. In 10 of 19 patients, fluid could be aspirated from
the joint space (volume varying from 1 to 9 mL). Saline lavage was
performed in 12 of the 19 joints needled. Intra-articular location was
confirmed by observation during distension on real-time images or by
successful aspiration. Sonographically guided arthrocentesis has potential
advantages over conventional fluoroscopic techniques. These include a lack
of ionizing radiation, superior visualization of needle location within the
joint capsule, and the ability to diagnose soft tissue and periarticular
abnormalities generally not seen fluoroscopically.
