How to Drain Fluid on the Top of the Knee
Edema on the knee occurs frequently in cases of knee injury. The knee joint is problematic in terms of placement since it basically "floats" in a complex network of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscle. The knee experiences incredible stress when it twists, bends, and rotates, and injury is likely at some point during an athletic career or other strenuous activity. Whenever injury occurs, the body first reacts with inflammation, which causes swelling. In the case of knee injuries, the swelling can become extreme. In cases of extreme edema, aspiration--or draining--of the knee may become necessary.
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Things You'll Need
- (2) 20cc Syringes
- 20 Gauge needle
- Alcohol swab
- Sterile dressing
- Betadine scrub
- Local anesthetic
Instructions
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How to Drain Fluid off the Top of the Knee
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1
Understand, first, that no one but a medical professional should attempt this procedure. Placing a large bore needle into a knee joint can create all kinds of potential problems, including deadly infections. So do not, under any circumstances, attempt to do this yourself or have anyone who is not a certified physician or medical professional perform this procedure on you.
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Scrub the joint with betadine solution. The knee should be scrubbed from mid-shin to mid-thigh, with particular attention paid to the knee area itself.
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3
Swab the injection site with an alcohol pad and inject the local anesthetic into the skin around the site where the bore needle will be inserted.
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4
Allow the anesthetic to come into full effect and test the area to make sure it is sufficiently numbed. This is usually done by applying a stimulus that normally would be painful to the area. If no sensation registers, proceed.
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5
Insert the bore needle into the joint. This is usually done on the inside of the knee, and the needle is slowly bur firmly pressed into the center of the joint. The plunger is then drawn back to aspirate the fluid inside the knee. It is usually necessary to manipulate the joint in order make sure as much of the fluid is removed as possible. A switch of syringes may be necessary if there is a lot of fluid on the joint.
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Once as much fluid is removed as possible, the bore needle should be carefully removed and the area swabbed again with alcohol. Pressure should then be applied while a sterile bandage is placed over the wound.
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Tips & Warnings
Patients should stay off the knee and rest it for at least 24 hours after this procedure. Anytime the joint is injured enough to require aspiration, it needs additional rest.
Never, ever, EVER attempt to do this yourself, or have anyone but a medical doctor perform this procedure on you.
