# Increasing Efficiency With Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Arthrocentesis: A Case Report and Procedure Demonstration

## TL;DR

This case report shows how using ultrasound in the emergency department can make joint fluid removal faster and more accurate for patients with knee pain.

## Contribution

The paper demonstrates the practical use of point-of-care ultrasound in arthrocentesis, highlighting its benefits and implementation challenges.

## Key findings

- POCUS-guided arthrocentesis was performed successfully and painlessly in a patient with knee effusion.
- POCUS can improve procedure accuracy and reduce reliance on traditional methods or radiology consultations.
- Barriers to POCUS adoption exist but are manageable with proper training and resources.

## Abstract

Patients with chief complaints of musculoskeletal pain comprise a significant portion of emergency department (ED) visits. Identifying and utilizing methods to expedite diagnosis in these cases may help reduce ED crowding, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction. We present a case in which a 52-year-old man presented to the ED with complaints of unilateral right knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. An initial plain film X-ray showed a large suprapatellar effusion over the patient’s arthritic right knee. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was used by an ED physician to facilitate a suprapatellar arthrocentesis. The patient tolerated the procedure well, remarking that he had no pain during or after its completion. POCUS can increase the accuracy, efficacy, and speed of procedures for which physicians have traditionally used landmarks or formal radiology consultations. While POCUS can prove helpful, barriers to its widespread implementation still remain. However, these barriers can be addressed with relative ease.