Abstract

Synovial Fluid (SF) investigation should be a routine procedure for practitioners who perform arthrocentesis [1]. The most important reason to perform arthrocentesis is to check for joint infection, crystal deposition, autoimmunity, trauma or malignancy, as timely identification, treatment of a patient with septic arthritis are of paramount importance to a favorable clinical outcome. Also, arthrocentesis is indicated to gain diagnostic information through synovial fluid analysis in the case of a monoarticular or polyarticular arthropathy of unclear etiology presenting with joint pain and swelling [1]. Due to quality of relevant information obtained, the synovial fluid analysis has been referred as a “liquid biopsy” of the joint [2]. Proper SF investigation may decrease the number and cost of SF laboratory tests, shorten the time of recommended treatment initiation, and increase the odds of favorable prognosis [1,3].

Keywords: Neuropathic pain; Nociceptive pain; Pharmacotherapy; Denervation; Neuromodulation