| Study: | Ultrasound Guidance to Optimize the Success of Joint Aspiration
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| Principal Investigator: | Amy Evangelisto, MD H. Ralph Schumacher, Jr., MD Division of Rheumatology University of Pennsylvania |
| Contact: | Amy Evangelisto, MD evangela@uphs.upenn.edu 215-662-2454 |
| Purpose: | The usual methods of joint aspiration are performed freehand and are not guaranteed successful in obtaining synovial (joint) fluid. The current study is designed to explore the use of ultrasound to aid with joint aspiration and improve the likelihood of obtaining joint fluid. |
| Description of Study: | Ambulatory or hospitalized patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who are determined to need a joint aspiration as part of diagnostic or therapeutic treatment will be eligible to participate. Enrolled patients will be randomized to having joint aspiration performed with ultrasound guidance or by the traditional freehand method. If patients are randomized to the traditional method and no synovial fluid is obtained, they will have the option of crossing over to the use of ultrasound guidance. Participation will not hinder joint injection, which can occur after the aspiration portion is complete. Data will be collected regarding success of joint aspiration, amount of fluid obtained, location of joint fluid and aspiration technique used. |
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| Exclusion Criteria: |
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