Value of ultrasound before joint aspiration.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to illustrate and discuss the value of ultra-sound screening before joint aspiration.

Conclusion: Before joint aspiration, ultrasound assessment of the overlying and surrounding soft tissues requires little time and is relatively inexpensive. Bursal fluid collections, soft-tissue abscesses, and other fluid collections that would be undetected with fluoroscopy or blind aspiration can thus be identified. Ultrasound screening before joint aspiration can aid diagnosis and decrease the risk of iatrogenic complications.