MAJOR AND MINOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Because of frequent joint bleeds, minor and major orthopedic procedures are the most common elective procedures needed in people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. To learn more about your surgical procedure, select from the options in the drop down menu below. --Select a Surgical Procedure-- Joint Aspiration Synovectomy     Synoviorthesis     Arthroscopic Synovectomy     Open Synovectomy Joint Replacement     Knee Replacement     Hip Replacement     Shoulder Replacement Elbow Surgery Ankle Joint Fusion   JOINT ASPIRATION (ARTHROCENTESIS) Prevention and rapid, aggressive treatment of acute bleeds are key to slowing or stopping the progressive joint damage. Joint aspiration, also called arthocentesis [pronounced AR-thro-sen-TE-sis], is part of this aggressive treatment, along with factor replacement therapy, physical therapy, and ongoing follow-up with your hematologist. Joint aspiration is done to remove fluids from the joint. The joint cavity is pierced with a needle and fluid is drawn out into the needle (aspirated). By removing the damaging blood products and fluids, aspiration may help the swollensynovium to resolve, before it becomes chronic. This is also done as a short-term solution in people with chronic synovitis, but the fluid will generally fill the joint again. Joint aspiration will usually be done as an outpatient procedure, using a local anesthetic (if any). The procedure should only take about 5-10 minutes. Clotting factor will be used before, during, and after the procedure. You may be advised to ice the joint and generally, a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen may be used for a day or 2 after the procedure if needed. After joint aspiration you should have less pain and regain more mobility. Potential complications include infection or bleeding at the joint.