Dr. Douglas Dennis, MD

Arthrocentesis

for Knee Osteoarthritis

This will be prospective study of patients with knee effusion associated with degenerative osteoarthritis or symptomatic primary total knee arthroplasty that undergo therapeutic joint arthrocentesis. The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis will be based on knee radiographs (including AP, Rosenburg view, lateral and Merchant views) read and interpreted by one of our clinical providers (PA, Fellow or Surgeon). Patients with at least Grade II Kellgren and Lawrence changes or higher will be included in the osteoarthritis group. Patients in the arthroplasty group must have had a primary total knee arthroplasty without infection (as determined by knee aspirate) to be included. Patients will be clinically evaluated at the time of their visit for presence of a knee effusion using a stroke test and graded on a 5-point scale (zero, trace, 1+, 2+, or 3+) which has shown good interrater reliability. Patients with a mild to severe effusion (1+ to 3+) will considered for the study. Patients having significant pain associated with their effusion will be offered a therapeutic arthrocentesis as part of their treatment plan discussion. This is a pre-post test design in which outcome measures will be collected immediately pre-arthrocentesis and immediately post arthrocentesis. Additionally, there will be an optional 7-10 follow up visit where outcomes measures will be collected again, should the participant choose to return to this visit.