Ultrasound-GuidedKnee Athrocentesis

Highland General HospitalDivision of Emergency Ultrasound

Step 1

Linear probeAbove the patella (probe marker caudal)

Step 2

Locate the effusion in the suprapatella fossaAnechoic effusion below fat pad (yellow)

Step 3

Rotate probe just above patellaProbe marker to patients right

Step 4

In-plane approach to the suprapatella fossaNeedle between iliotibial band and vastus lateralus