Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Medium

Arthrocentesis

Meaning: A procedure in which fluid is drawn out of a joint with a needle for testing or relief.

In practice: Arthrocentesis of the hot swollen knee showed negatively birefringent urate crystals, confirming gout.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related orthopaedics words.

Which word means: A connection between two or more bones that allows varying degrees of movement.

Which word means: The longer bone of the forearm on the little finger side.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.