Knee Effusions

The term effusion is a generic term for accumulation of fluid inside a joint. Effusions of the knee joint area due to a variety of reasons and the most common cause is tearing of a ligament or cartilage within the joint. In some instances the effusion is non traumatic and caused by inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis).   In cases where a large effusion is present, I will usually recommend removing the fluid using a needle (arthrocentesis) to help reduce the discomfort from the effusion and to assess the nature of the effusion. Treatment is usually tailored to treating the underlying case of the effusion.