The authors have no acknowledgments.

This protocol follows the guidelines at BronxCare Health System. A written informed consent is necessary from the patient.
1. Identifying anatomical structures
<ol>
	<li>With the patient supine, carefully palpate the knee to locate the patella and use a skin marker to make marks at the four corners of the patella.</li>
	<li>Place an &#34;X&#34; using a skin marker at a site that is one fingerbreadth superolateral to the patella. Avoid infected skin and visible veins.</li>
	<li>If a large effusion is detected on examination and the patella appears to be sitting on fluid, consider a medial approach just posterior to the patella.</li>
</ol>
2. Skin sterilization
<ol>
	<li>Clean the selected needle entry site with three iodine-soaked 2 x 2-inch gauze sponges.</li>
	<li>Allow the antiseptic to dry.</li>
</ol>
3. Anesthetizing
<ol>
	<li>Use an 18-22 G needle to draw 1 mL of 1 percent lidocaine solution into a sterile 3 mL syringe.</li>
	<li>Remove that needle, and place a 5/8-inch 25 G needle on the syringe.</li>
	<li>Apply the topical ethyl chloride stream spray to the injection site from a distance of 9 inches for 10 s.</li>
	<li>Approach the &#34;X&#34; with the needle and infiltrate the skin and subcutaneous tissues with a bleb of lidocaine.</li>
	<li>Keep the area sterile, but if contaminated by inadvertent touching, repeat steps 2.1-2.2.</li>
</ol>
4. Arthrocentesis needle insertion
<ol>
	<li>Place the nondominant hand over the area superomedial to the patella and gently manually compress the fluid laterally.</li>
	<li>Insert a 1.5-inch 18-22 G needle attached to a syringe (at least 3 mL) along the pathway that was anesthetized.</li>
	<li>Advance the needle slowly and pull the plunger back gently until visualization of synovial fluid can be confirmed.</li>
	<li>If the first syringe fills up and further aspirated fluid is desired, switch to another syringe.</li>
</ol>
5. Needle removal
<ol>
	<li>Remove the needle and syringe in one smooth withdrawal motion.</li>
	<li>Place a sterile dressing over the site.</li>
	<li>Apply pressure until any bleeding stops.</li>
	<li>Once hemostasis is achieved, wipe the skin marker and iodine off with an alcohol pad.</li>
	<li>Apply adhesive bandage.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Zhang, Q., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+two+positions+of+knee+arthrocentesis:+how+to+obtain+complete+drainage.">Comparison of two positions of knee arthrocentesis: how to obtain complete drainage.</a> American Journal of Physical Medicine &amp; Rehabilitation. 91 (7), 611-615 (2012).</li><li>Roberts, W. N., Hayes, C. W., Breitbach, S. A., Owen, D. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dry+taps+and+what+to+do+about+them:+a+pictorial+essay+on+failed+arthrocentesis+of+the+knee.">Dry taps and what to do about them: a pictorial essay on failed arthrocentesis of the knee.</a> The American Journal of Medicine. 100 (4), 461-464 (1996).</li><li>Weitoft, T., Uddenfeldt, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Importance+of+synovial+fluid+aspiration+when+injecting+intra-articular+corticosteroids.">Importance of synovial fluid aspiration when injecting intra-articular corticosteroids.</a> Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 59 (3), 233-235 (2000).</li><li>Thumboo, J., O'Duffy, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+prospective+study+of+the+safety+of+joint+and+soft+tissue+aspirations+and+injections+in+patients+taking+warfarin+sodium.">A prospective study of the safety of joint and soft tissue aspirations and injections in patients taking warfarin sodium.</a> Arthritis and Rheumatism. 41 (4), 736-739 (1998).</li><li>Salvati, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Frequency+of+the+bleeding+risk+in+patients+receiving+warfarin+submitted+to+arthrocentesis+of+the+knee.">Frequency of the bleeding risk in patients receiving warfarin submitted to arthrocentesis of the knee.</a> Reumatismo. 55 (3), 159-163 (2003).</li><li>Ahmed, I., Gertner, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safety+of+arthrocentesis+and+joint+injection+in+patients+receiving+anticoagulation+at+therapeutic+levels.">Safety of arthrocentesis and joint injection in patients receiving anticoagulation at therapeutic levels.</a> The American Journal of Medicine. 125 (3), 265-269 (2012).</li><li>Yui, J. C., Preskill, C., Greenlund, L. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Arthrocentesis+and+joint+injection+in+patients+receiving+direct+oral+anticoagulants.">Arthrocentesis and joint injection in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants.</a> Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 92 (8), 1223-1226 (2017).</li><li>Klauser, A. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Clinical+indications+for+musculoskeletal+ultrasound:+a+Delphi-based+consensus+paper+of+the+European+Society+of+Musculoskeletal+Radiology.">Clinical indications for musculoskeletal ultrasound: a Delphi-based consensus paper of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology.</a> European Radiology. 22 (5), 1140-1148 (2012).</li><li>Rolle, N. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extractable+synovial+fluid+in+inflammatory+and+non-inflammatory+arthritis+of+the+knee.">Extractable synovial fluid in inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis of the knee.</a> Clinical Rheumatology. 38 (8), 2255-2263 (2019).</li><li>Yaqub, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Can+diagnostic+and+therapeutic+arthrocentesis+be+successfully+performed+in+the+flexed+knee.">Can diagnostic and therapeutic arthrocentesis be successfully performed in the flexed knee.</a> Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic &amp; Musculoskeletal Diseases. 24 (6), 295-301 (2018).</li><li>Jennings, J. M., Dennis, D. A., Kim, R. H., Miner, T. M., Yang, C. C., McNabb, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=False-positive+cultures+after+native+knee+aspiration:+True+or+false.">False-positive cultures after native knee aspiration: True or false.</a> Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 475 (7), 1840-1843 (2017).</li><li>Massey, P. A., Feibel, B., Thomson, H., Watkins, A., Chauvin, B., Barton, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synovial+fluid+leukocyte+cell+count+before+versus+after+administration+of+antibiotics+in+patients+with+septic+arthritis+of+a+native+joint.">Synovial fluid leukocyte cell count before versus after administration of antibiotics in patients with septic arthritis of a native joint.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Science: Official Journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. 25 (5), 907-910 (2020).</li><li>Polishchuk, D., Gehrmann, R., Tan, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Skin+sterility+after+application+of+ethyl+chloride+spray.">Skin sterility after application of ethyl chloride spray.</a> The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 94 (2), 118-120 (2012).</li><li>Liu, K., Ye, L., Sun, W., Hao, L., Luo, Y., Chen, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+use+of+lidocaine+affect+culture+of+synovial+fluid+obtained+to+diagnose+periprosthetic+joint+infection+(PJI)?+An+in+vitro+study.">Does use of lidocaine affect culture of synovial fluid obtained to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)? An in vitro study.</a> Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research. 24, 448-452 (2018).</li><li>Chen, L. X., Clayburne, G., Schumacher, H. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Update+on+identification+of+pathogenic+crystals+in+joint+fluid.">Update on identification of pathogenic crystals in joint fluid.</a> Current Rheumatology Reports. 6 (3), 217-220 (2004).</li><li>Boumans, D., Hettema, M. E., Vonkeman, H. E., Maatman, R. G., Avan de Laar, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+added+value+of+synovial+fluid+centrifugation+for+monosodium+urate+and+calcium+pyrophosphate+crystal+detection.">The added value of synovial fluid centrifugation for monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystal detection.</a> Clinical Rheumatology. 36 (7), 1599-1605 (2017).</li><li>Goldenberg, D. L., Reed, J. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bacterial+arthritis.">Bacterial arthritis.</a> The New England Journal of Medicine. 312 (12), 764-771 (1985).</li><li>Atkins, B. L., Bowler, I. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+diagnosis+of+large+joint+sepsis.">The diagnosis of large joint sepsis.</a> The Journal of Hospital Infection. 40 (4), 263-274 (1998).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Knee arthrocentesis is a bedside or clinic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the joint capsule, and synovial fluid is aspirated. Before attempting an arthrocentesis, knee swelling by history should be confirmed to be an effusion on physical examination. A knee x-ray can reveal an effusion but is not necessary prior to aspiration. If body habitus complicates the physical examination, ultrasonography can be used to confirm effusion size and to direct insertion of the needle for aspiration8</sup...

Arthrocentesis is performed to successfully aspirate synovial fluid from a joint such as a knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle. A patient with a newly detected knee effusion can undergo a diagnostic arthrocentesis to determine the nature of the effusion. Before proceeding to attempt an arthrocentesis, knee swelling by history must be confirmed on physical examination to assess whether an effusion exists. With the patient supine, the knees can be compared on inspection to see if the swelling is unilateral. The knee with the effusion may appear larger than the other knee. With a large effusion (at least 20 mL), convexity can be seen proximal to the patella. With a small effusion (5-10 mL), pressing the fluid superolaterally with one hand can allow the other hand to palpate a fluid bulge. Palpating the fluid can help decide if a successful arthrocentesis is probable. In addition to the supine position, arthrocentesis of the knee can also be done on a patient in the sitting position, but there is a higher chance that less synovial fluid would be aspirated1. Synovial fluid from the knee can be aspirated from a medial or lateral approach, but the latter is preferred in complicated circumstances2. A knee effusion is not always tender on exam and thus does not necessarily cause an antalgic gait. An urgent arthrocentesis before antibiotic treatment is indicated if septic arthritis is suspected. An orthopedic surgeon can perform a knee joint aspiration to diagnose a prosthetic joint infection in a patient who had a knee arthroplasty.
In addition to evaluating for infection, arthrocentesis can assist in identifying diagnoses, such as crystal-induced arthritis (gout or pseudogout), rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, hemarthrosis, or osteoarthritis. The findings on synovial fluid analysis can lead to the appropriate treatment. In a patient with pain and restricted movement of the knee due to an effusion, aspirating the fluid can improve these symptoms. Furthermore, arthrocentesis of a knee prior to an intra-articular steroid injection has been shown to reduce the risk for arthritis relapse in rheumatoid arthritis3. There is no absolute contraindication to arthrocentesis of a knee, but the needle should be inserted away from any cellulitis to not introduce any infection into the joint. Moreover, arthrocentesis has been shown to be generally safe in patients on anticoagulation with warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants4,5,6,7. With the proper technique and clinical indication, a patient can undergo this procedure with minimal risks.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Alcohol prep pad</td>
			<td>Medline</td>
			<td>MDS090670Z</td>
			<td>sterile 2-ply pad</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eclipse needle</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>DGW60702</td>
			<td>25G x 5/8&#34;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl Chloride instant topical anesthetic spray</td>
			<td>Gebauer&#39;s</td>
			<td>P/N 0386-0008-03</td>
			<td>non-flammable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lidocaine HCl injection</td>
			<td>Fresenius Kabi Usa, Llc</td>
			<td>NDC 63323-492-27</td>
			<td>1% single dose vial</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic bandage</td>
			<td>Curad</td>
			<td>CUR02278RB</td>
			<td>4-sided seal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastipak 3 mL syringe</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>309651</td>
			<td>sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastipak 5 mL syringe</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>309649</td>
			<td>sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Povidone iodine topical solution</td>
			<td>Major</td>
			<td>NDC 0904-1103-09</td>
			<td>topical antiseptic</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Precision glide needle</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>305196</td>
			<td>18G x 1 1/2&#34;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile gauze sponge</td>
			<td>CARING</td>
			<td>PRM2208</td>
			<td>2 in. x 2 in.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile regular tip surgical skin marker</td>
			<td>MEDLINE</td>
			<td>DYNJSM01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical gloves</td>
			<td>TRIUMPH</td>
			<td>MSG2265</td>
			<td>sterile &#38; powder-free</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

knee arthrocentesis in adults

Arthrocentesis of the knee is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the knee joint, and synovial fluid is aspirated. An arthrocentesis can be diagnostic or therapeutic. Synovial fluid may be removed for testing to determine the nature of the knee effusion. If septic arthritis is suspected, urgent arthrocentesis before initiation of antibiotic treatment is indicated. Moreover, arthrocentesis can also aid in diagnosing crystal-induced arthritis such as gout or pseudogout, or non-inflammatory arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Identifying the cause of the knee effusion can guide treatment. Furthermore, removing fluid from a knee can reduce intraarticular pressure to decrease pain and improve range of motion. There is no absolute contraindication to performing this procedure, but in selecting the needle entry site, an area of skin that is infected should be avoided. Therefore, caution should be exercised when a patient presents with suspected cellulitis over the knee joint to avoid the potential risk of causing iatrogenic septic arthritis. A knee that has undergone arthroplasty should be assessed for arthrocentesis by an orthopedic surgeon. Arthrocentesis of the knee is typically performed with the patient supine. The site for needle insertion is marked, and then the skin is disinfected. After a local anesthetic is administered, a needle is inserted along the pathway that was anesthetized. Synovial fluid is aspirated, and then the needle is withdrawn. Pressure is applied until any bleeding stops. The synovial fluid can be analyzed for infection and inflammation but cannot directly confirm a diagnosis of internal derangement or autoimmune causes of arthritis. In addition to the history and physical examination, laboratory findings and imaging can clarify the etiology of a knee effusion.

A prospective randomized study compared&#160;complete aspiration of synovial fluid from the knee and intra-articular injection with corticosteroid alone. It demonstrated that aspirating as much synovial fluid as possible can reduce the risk for recurrence of arthritic symptoms when treating rheumatoid arthritis patients with intra-articular corticosteroids. Figure 1 shows the reduction in the proportion of relapses in the arthrocentesis group3.
<p class="jove_cont...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults at JoVE.com

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Here the protocol describes arthrocentesis of the knee, a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the knee joint, and synovial fluid is aspirated. Synovial fluid may be removed for testing to determine the nature of the knee effusion. Arthrocentesis of the knee is typically performed with the patient supine.

Arthrocentesis of the knee is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the knee joint, and synovial fluid is aspirated. An arthrocentesis can be ...

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7.1K Views.  BronxCare Health System. Here the protocol describes arthrocentesis of the knee, a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the knee joint, and synovial fluid is aspirated. Synovial fluid may be removed for testing to determine the nature of the knee effusion. Arthrocentesis of the knee is typically performed with the patient supine. 

Video: Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive biologic markers of stress. This article we present the steps for collection and analysis of two salivary assays in research with frail, community residing older adults-salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase. The field of salivary bioscience is rapidly advancing and the purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the developments for investigators interested in integrating these measures into research on aging. Strategies are presented for instructing family caregivers in collecting saliva in the home, and for conducting laboratory analyses of salivary analytes that have demonstrated feasibility, high compliance, and yield quality specimens. The protocol for sample collection includes: (1) consistent use of collection materials; (2) standardized methods that promote adherence and minimize subject burden; and (3) procedures for controlling certain confounding agents. We also provide strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) saliva handling and processing; (2) salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase assay procedures; and (3) analytic considerations.

We demonstrate: (1) procedures for collection of salivary samples in cognitive impaired older adults by family caregivers in the home setting, (2) procedures for measuring stress activity via salivary cortisol and alpha amylase, and (3) representative profiles. Protocols that allow researchers to study stress-linked processes advance our understanding of biological sensitivity and susceptibility.

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research  that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive  biologic markers of ...

Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and neurological patients1-4, but also in healthy older adults5,6. The quantitative gait analysis described in this protocol is performed with a recently-introduced photoelectric system (see&#160;Materials table) which has the potential to be used in the clinic because it is portable, easy to set up (no subject preparation is required before a test), and does not require maintenance and sensor calibration. The photoelectric system consists of series of high-density floor-based photoelectric cells with light-emitting and light-receiving diodes that are placed parallel to each other to create a corridor, and are oriented perpendicular to the line of progression7. The system simply detects interruptions in light signal, for instance due to the presence of feet within the recording area. Temporal gait parameters and 1D spatial coordinates of consecutive steps are subsequently calculated to provide common gait parameters such as step length, single limb support and walking velocity8, whose validity against a criterion instrument has recently been demonstrated7,9. The measurement procedures are very straightforward; a single patient can be tested in less than 5 min&#160;and a comprehensive report can be generated in less than 1&#160;min.

This protocol is used to evaluate spatial and temporal gait variables of neurological/orthopedic patients and older persons by means of a recently-introduced floor-based photocell system.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and ...

Using a Knee Arthrometer to Evaluate Tissue-specific Contributions to Knee Flexion Contracture in the Rat

Normal knee range of motion (ROM) is critical to well-being and allows one to perform basic activities such as walking, climbing stairs and sitting. Lost ROM is called a joint contracture and results in increased morbidity. Due to the difficulty of reversing established knee contractures, early detection is important, and hence, knowing risk factors for their development is essential. The rat represents a good model with which the effect of an intervention can be studied due to the similarity of rat knee anatomy to that of humans, the rat's ability to tolerate long durations of knee immobilization in flexion, and because mechanical data can be correlated with histologic and biochemical analysis of knee tissue.
Using an automated arthrometer, we demonstrate a validated, precise, reproducible, user-independent method of measuring the extension ROM of the rat knee joint at specific torques. This arthrometer can be used to determine the effects of interventions on knee joint ROM in the rat.

The goal of the protocol is to measure the extension range of motion of the rat knee. The effects of various diseases that increase the stiffness of the knee joint and the effectiveness of treatments can be quantified.

Normal knee range of motion (ROM) is critical to well-being and allows one to perform basic activities such as walking, climbing stairs and sitting. Lost ...

Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults

The gold standard for sleep monitoring is attended in-lab polysomnography; however, this method may be cost-prohibitive and inconvenient for patients and research participants. Home sleep testing has gained momentum in the field of sleep medicine due to its convenience and lower cost, as well as being more naturalistic. The accuracy and quality of home sleep testing, however, may be variable because studies are not monitored by sleep technologists. There has been some success in improving the accuracy of home sleep studies by having trained sleep technicians assist participants inside their homes with putting on the devices, but this can be intrusive and time-consuming for those involved. In this protocol, participants undergo at-home sleep monitoring with multiple devices: 1) a single-channel EEG device; 2) a home sleep test for sleep-disordered breathing and periodic limb movements; 3) actigraphy; and 4) sleep logs. A major challenge of this study is obtaining high-quality sleep monitoring data on the first attempt in order to minimize participant burden. This protocol describes the implementation of educational manuals with step-by-step instructions and photos. The goal is to improve the quality of home sleep testing.

Here, we present a protocol to improve the quality of data from home sleep testing by providing a method to enhance instructions through a structured participant visit. This protocol includes the implementation of a step-by-step educational manual with photos to ensure proper placement of equipment.

The gold standard for sleep monitoring is attended in-lab polysomnography; however, this method may be cost-prohibitive and inconvenient for patients and ...

Spontaneous and Evoked Measures of Pain in Murine Models of Monoarticular Knee Pain

Pain is the main cause of disability from arthritis. There is currently an unmet need for adequate treatments for arthritis pain. Pre-clinical models are necessary and useful for studying the mechanisms of pain and for evaluating efficacy of arthritis therapies. Measuring pain in animal models of arthritis is challenging. We have developed methods for measuring evoked and spontaneous pain in three models of murine arthritis. We quantitate the evoked pain responses of mice subjected to firm palpation of a painful knee. We also evaluate spontaneous pain by the proportion of weight and the amount of time placed on each of their 4 limbs after induction of arthritis pain in one knee. Joint pain in these mouse models produces a significant increase in evoked pain responses and an alteration in weight bearing. Since mice are quadrupeds, they offload the painful limb to the contralateral limb, to the forelimbs, or some combination. These methods are simple, require minimal equipment, and are reproducible and sensitive for detecting pain. They are useful for studying both disease-modifying arthritis treatments and analgesics in mice.

We have developed an evoked measure of arthritis pain and coupled it with a standardized method for measuring spontaneous pain in different murine models of chemically induced arthritis. These measures are sensitive and reproducible for different types of joint pain.

Pain is the main cause of disability from arthritis. There is currently an unmet need for adequate treatments for arthritis pain. Pre-clinical models are ...

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Tonsil-related complaints are very common among the adult population. Tonsillectomy under general anesthesia is currently the most performed surgical treatment in adults for such complaints. Unfortunately, tonsillectomy is an invasive treatment associated with a high complication rate and a long recovery time. Complications and a long recovery time are mostly related to removing the vascular and densely innervated capsule of the tonsils. Recently, CO2-lasertonsillotomy under local anesthesia has been demonstrated to be a viable alternative treatment for tonsil-related disease with a significantly shorter and less painful recovery period. The milder side-effect profile of CO2-lasertonsillotomy is likely related to leaving the tonsil capsule intact. The aim of the current report is to present a concise protocol detailing the execution of CO2-lasertonsillotomy under local anesthesia. This intervention has been performed successfully in our hospital in more than 1,000 patients and has been found to be safe and to be associated with a steep learning curve.

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

CO2-lasertonsillotomy under local anesthesia is an interesting alternative treatment method for tonsillectomy under general anesthesia for tonsil-related complaints in adults. This report presents a step-by-step protocol detailing the execution of CO2-lasertonsillotomy under local anesthesia.

Tonsil-related complaints are very common among the adult population. Tonsillectomy under general anesthesia is currently the most performed surgical ...

Virtual Prism Adaptation Therapy: Protocol for Validation in Healthy Adults

Hemispatial neglect is a common impairment after stroke. It is associated with poor functional and social outcomes. Therefore, an adequate intervention is imperative for the successful management of hemispatial neglect. However, the clinical use of various interventions is limited in real clinical practice. Prism adaptation therapy is one of the most evidence-based rehabilitation modalities to treat hemispatial neglect. To overcome any possible shortcoming that may occur with prism therapy, we developed a new system using immersive virtual reality and depth-sensing camera to create a virtual prism adaptation therapy (VPAT). To validate the VPAT system, we designed an experimental protocol investigating the behavioral errors and changes in cortical activation via the VPAT system. Cortical activation was measured by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The experiment consisted of four phases. All four included clicking, pointing or rest applied to right-handed healthy people. Clicking versus pointing was used for investigating the cortical region related with the gross motor task, and pointing with VPAT versus pointing without VPAT was used for investigating the cortical region associated with visuospatial perception. The preliminary results from four healthy participants showed that pointing errors by the VPAT system was similar to the conventional prism adaptation therapy. Further analysis with more participants and fNIRS data, as well as a study in patients with stroke may be required.

This experimental protocol demonstrates the use of virtual prism adaptation therapy (VPAT) in healthy adults and the association between VPAT and functional near infrared spectroscopy to determine the effect of VPAT on cortical activation. Results suggest that VPAT may be feasible and could induce similar behavioral adaptation as conventional prism adaptation therapy.

Hemispatial neglect is a common impairment after stroke. It is associated with poor functional and social outcomes. Therefore, an adequate intervention is ...

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Consultative ultrasound performed by radiologists has traditionally not been used for imaging the lungs, as the lungs&#39; air-filled nature normally prevents direct visualization of the lung parenchyma. When showing the lung parenchyma, ultrasound typically generates a number of non-anatomic artifacts. However, over the past several decades, these artifacts have been studied by diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practitioners, who have identified findings that have value in narrowing the differential diagnoses of cardiopulmonary dysfunction. For instance, in patients presenting with dyspnea, lung POCUS is superior to chest radiography (CXR) for the diagnosis of pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, lung consolidations, and pleural effusions. Despite its known diagnostic value, the utilization of lung POCUS in clinical medicine remains variable, in part because training in this modality across hospitals remains inconsistent. To address this educational gap, this narrative review describes lung POCUS image acquisition in adults, including patient positioning, transducer selection, probe placement, acquisition sequence, and image optimization.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the lungs provides quick answers in rapidly changing clinical scenarios. We present an efficient and informative protocol for image acquisition for use in acute care settings.

Consultative ultrasound performed by radiologists has traditionally not been used for imaging the lungs, as the lungs&#39; air-filled nature normally ...

Treating Knee Osteoarthritis with Tuina in a Rabbit Model

Tuina Intervention in Rabbit Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is mainly characterized by degenerative changes in the knee joint's cartilage and surrounding soft tissues. The efficacy of Tuina in treating KOA has been confirmed, but the underlying mechanism needs to be investigated. This study aims to establish a scientifically feasible KOA rabbit model treated with Tuina to reveal the underlying mechanisms. For this, 18, 6-month-old normal-grade male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into sham, model, and Tuina groups, with 6 rabbits in each group. The KOA model was established by injecting 4% papain solution into the knee joint cavity. The Tuina group was intervened with Tuina combined with the knee joint rotary correction method for 4 weeks. Only the standard grasping and fixation were performed in sham and model groups. At the end of the 1-week intervention, the knee joint range of motion (ROM) was observed, and cartilage hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was done. The study shows that Tuina could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, repair cartilage tissue, and restore knee joint ROM. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the scientific feasibility of Tuina treatment for KOA model rabbits, highlighting its potential application in the study of KOA and similar knee joint-related conditions.

Author Spotlight: Using a Rabbit Model to Explore the Efficacy of Tuina in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis 

The protocol describes a method for Tuina intervention in a rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is mainly characterized by degenerative changes in the knee joint's cartilage and surrounding soft tissues. The efficacy of ...

Gastric Ultrasound Technique for Mitigating Peri-Procedural Aspiration Risk

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Over the past two decades, diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a rapid and non-invasive bedside tool for addressing clinical inquiries related to gastric content. One emerging concern pertains to patients about to undergo sedation and/or endotracheal intubation: the elevated risk of aspiration from the patient&#39;s stomach contents. Aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs poses a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. This occurs more frequently when the stomach is considered &#34;full&#34; and can be affected by the techniques employed for airway management, making it potentially preventable. To mitigate the risk of peri-procedural aspiration, two distinct medical specialties (anesthesiology and critical care medicine) have independently developed techniques to utilize ultrasonography for identifying patients requiring &#34;full stomach&#34; precautions. Due to these separate specialties, the work of each group remains relatively unfamiliar outside its respective field. This article presents descriptions of both techniques for gastric ultrasound. Furthermore, it explains how these approaches can complement each other when one of them falls short. Regarding image acquisition, the article covers the following topics: indications and contraindications, selection of the appropriate probe, patient positioning, and troubleshooting. The article also delves into image interpretation, complete with example images. Additionally, it demonstrates how one of the two techniques can be employed to estimate gastric fluid volume. Lastly, the article briefly discusses medical decision-making based on the findings of this examination.

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care 

This protocol introduces two methods for image acquisition in gastric ultrasonography. Additionally, tips are provided for interpreting this information to assist in medical decision-making.

Over the past two decades, diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a rapid and non-invasive bedside tool for addressing clinical ...