Which term refers to a surgical puncture to remove fluid from a joint?

• A. Arthrocentesis
• B. Arthrodesis
• C. Arthrography
• D. Arthroplasty

Answer: (A)

Arthrocentesis uses a needle to puncture and withdraw fluid from a joint. The word parts fit: “arthr-” means joint, and “-centesis” means puncture to withdraw fluid. This procedure is done to analyze synovial fluid for infections, crystal diseases like gout, or inflammatory arthritis, and it can also relieve joint swelling.

The other terms describe different procedures: arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of a joint, eliminating motion; arthrography is imaging the joint after injecting contrast to visualize structures; arthroplasty is the surgical replacement or reconstruction of a joint.