Removing Fluid From Knee After Surgery

A seroma is a collection of fluid that develops under the surface of the skin following a surgical procedure.

Removing fluid from knee after surgery.

Fluid on the knee also known as water on the knee or knee effusion is the accumulation of fluid around or in the knee joint. The procedure also will relieve the pressure on your joint caused by fluid buildup. Typically the range of motion will progress quickly during the first three months and can continue to increase for up to two years following surgery. Treat the cause of your knee effusion or excess fluid.

After the aspiration procedure your doctor may inject corticosteroid into your knee joint. The fluid called serum doesn t always build up right away. A lighted tube arthroscope is inserted through a small incision into your knee joint. Seromas may develop after a surgical procedure most often at the site of the surgical incision or where tissue was removed.

The american academy of orthopaedic surgeons says athletic activities loosen small particles referred to as wear debris in the joint causing pain and fluid buildup 2. After knee replacement surgery it is important to work with a physical therapist to achieve the maximal range of motion. After aspirating joint fluid your doctor might inject a corticosteroid into the joint to treat inflammation. Joint aspiration is most often done on the knee.

Many people with water on the knee will need to have the excess fluid removed. Your doctor can remove the excess fluid in the knee through an aspiration procedure. Retention of fluid after cardiac surgery is also common and hormonal imbalance also can be the cause. For others knee surgery or even joint replacement may be necessary.

Fluid in the knee is usually accompanied by knee pain and loss of range of motion making it difficult to walk or undergo other physical activities. Joint aspiration is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around a joint using a needle and syringe. This is usually done under a local anesthetic to relieve swelling and or to obtain fluid for analysis to diagnose a joint disorder or problem. Also known as serum or serous fluid this clear discharge of fluid is triggered by the injury and subsequent death of cells typically along an incision or where skin tissue was removed.

Fluid retention after surgery occurs due to prolonged lying in bed compromised lymphatic drainage and use of certain drugs after surgery. Fluid buildup occurs after knee replacement surgery with increased wear and tear. Removing fluid from the knee can help relieve pressure on the joint.