title: Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the elbow: a posterior approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Identification of fluid in the elbow joint by physical examination alone can be challenging. Ultrasound can assist in the diagnosis of elbow effusion, and guide aspiration of the effusion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We illustrate the anatomy and ultrasound guidance technique of a posterior approach to elbow arthrocentesis using examples of normal and pathologic elbow joint ultrasound images.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The posterior distal humerus at the level of the olecranon fossa provides an excellent acoustic window into the joint space. This location also provides a safe path for the performance of ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the elbow from a posterior approach is a helpful technique to guide the aspiration of the painful swollen elbow.
authors.affiliation: George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Keith S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Boniface
authors.forename: Kunal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ajmera
authors.forename: Joanna S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Yiju Teresa
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shokoohi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000379:methods*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: arthrocentesis; elbow joint; ultrasonography