MedicineNet

Joint Aspiration Center - Billings, MT

Billings Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors for Joint Aspiration

Type of Physician: Orthopedic Surgeon

What is a Orthopedic Surgeon ?

A certification by the Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; practitioners focus on the investigation, preservation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated structures by medical, surgical and physical means. Birth defects, trauma, infections, tumors and metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system are problems cared for by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Specialty: Orthopaedic Surgery

Common Name: Orthopedist

Orthopedic Surgeon Doctors in Billings *

Billings Clinic West
Daniel Gall
801 N. 29th St
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2900

Billings Clinic
Matthew A Kopplin
2825 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-2501

Curtis Settergren MD
Curtis Settergren
PO Box 37000
Billings, MT 59107
(406) 238-5215

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Ralph M Costanzo
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
John Dorr
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Orthopedic Surgeons
James S Elliott
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Orthopedic Surgeons
Joesph M Erpelding
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Orthopedic Surgeons
Thomas R Johnson
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Steven J Klepps
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Richard Lewallen
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Orthopedic Surgeons
Gregory S McDowell
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Orthopedic Surgeons
James F Schwarten
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Orthopedic Surgeons
James E Scott
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
David Shenton
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Dean Sukin
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Orthopedic Surgeons
John R Wilson
2900 12th Ave N
STE STE 140W
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6540

Montana Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Micheal Yorgason
2900 12th Ave N
STE 100E
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-6700

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Steven R Fischer
2800 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-5200

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Willard Hull
2800 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-5200

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Whitney S Robinson
2800 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-5200

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Robert S Schultz
2800 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-5200

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Michael C Willis
2800 8th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 238-5200

Billings, Montana

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-09
Mason's Mountain Run
Red Lodge, Montana
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Billings
Throughout Billings, Montana
2012-06-17
Clydehurst Christian Ranch
Billings, Montana
2012-06-23
2012-09-01
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Billings
Throughout Billings, Montana

Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

What is a joint aspiration?

A joint aspiration is a procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the joint. Joint aspiration is typically performed as an office procedure or at the bedside of hospitalized patients. Joint aspiration is medically referred to as arthrocentesis.

What is the purpose of joint aspiration?

Joint aspiration is used to obtain joint fluid for examination in the laboratory. Analysis of joint fluid can help to define causes of joint swelling or arthritis, such as infection, gout, and rheumatoid disease. Joint fluid can be tested for white cell count, crystals, protein, glucose, as well as cultured to detect infection. Each of these laboratory parameters can be helpful in defining the cause of a particular form of arthritis.

Joint aspiration can also be helpful in relieving joint swelling and pain. Removal of joint fluid that is inflamed can also remove the white blood cells within that are sources of enzymes that can be destructive to the joint. Occasionally, cortisone medications are injected into the joint during the joint aspiration in order to rapidly relieve joint inflammation and further reduce symptoms.

How is joint aspiration performed?

The skin over the joint is sterilized using a liquid, typically iodine solution (Betadine). Local anesthetic is used in the area of the joint; either by injection, topical liquid freezing, or both. A needle with a syringe attached is inserted within the joint an fluid is sucked back (aspirated) into the syringe. For certain conditions, the doctor will also inject medication into the joint after fluid removal. The needle is then removed and a Band-Aid or dressing is applied over the entry point.

What are complications of joint aspiration?

Complications of joint aspiration are uncommon. Possible com...

Recommended Reading Related to Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

Hydroxyapatite Crystal Disease »

What is hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite is the major component, and an essential ingredient, of normal bone and teeth. It is hydroxyapatite that makes up bone mineral and the matrix of teeth.

What are hydroxyapatite crystals?

Hydroxyapatite molecules can group together (crystallize) to form microscopic clumps, called hydroxyapatite crystals.

Tiny crystals of hydroxyapatite sometimes form in or around joints and can cause inflammation of joints and tissues around the joints, such as tendons and ligaments. They have been described particularly as a cause of rotator cuff inflammation of the shoulder.

The inflammation caused by hydroxyapatite crystals has been referred to as hydroxyapatite crystal disease.

Is hydroxyapatite crystal disease the same as gout or pseudogout?

No. These conditions are similar in that they are all caused by the inflammation that results from...

Emergency Contact for Billings

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Billings Hospitals *

Deaconess Billings Clinic
2800 10th Ave N
Billings, MT 59101
(406)657-4000

St Vincent Healthcare
1233 N 30th St
Billings, MT 59101
(406)237-7000

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.