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Joint Aspiration Center - Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces *

Las Cruces Orthopaedic Associates
Michael McGuire
675 Avenida deMesilla
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 525-3535

Las Cruces Orthopaedic Associates
Robert M Stack
675 Avenida deMesilla
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 525-3535

Gary D Barham MD
Gary D Barham
2911 E Hillrise Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 521-9729

Alan C Davis MD
Alan C Davis
3005 Hillrise Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 521-1122

Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute
Edward R Sweetser
4351 E Lohman Ave
STE 200
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 532-9755

Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute
Donald L Watson
4351 E Lohman Ave
STE 200
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 532-9755

Southwest Orthopaedics PC
Frank T Bryant
2539 N medical Dr
STE STE 110
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 434-1400

Alamogordo Orthopaedics Sports Medicine & Podiatry
Douglas Dodson
2301 Indian Wells Rd
STE STE A
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 434-0639

Alamogordo Orthopaedics Sports Medicine & Podiatry
Eric Freeh
2301 Indian Wells Rd
STE STE A
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 434-0639

Alamogordo Orthopaedics Sports Medicine & Podiatry
Allan Rickman
2301 Indian Wells Rd
STE STE A
Alamogordo, NM 88310
(575) 434-0639

Las Cruces, New Mexico

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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 Las Cruces

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Las Cruces Hospitals *

MountainView Regional Medical Center
4311 E Lohman Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575)556-7600

Memorial Medical Center
2450 S Telshor Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(505)522-8641

Mesilla Valley Hospital
3751 Del Rey Blvd
Las Cruces, NM 88012
(575)382-3500

Peak Psychiatric Hospital
5065 McNutt Rd
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
(505)589-3000

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