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| A human joint acts as a cushion for the human body allowing range of motion and mobility. It consists of two articular surfaces with a capsule connecting them. A synovial membrane covers the inner joint surfaces, which is highly vascularized and richly innervated. The cartilaginous surfaces of the joint are avascular, resilient, and are not covered by synovium. The normal joint contains only a few cubic centimeters (cc) of fluid, which is enough to lubricate the articular surfaces. For example, the knee contains on average 1-2 ml of fluid (5). In pathologic knee effusions, as much as 100 ml of fluid may be present. Therefore, in normal joints or in joints where there is not an excess production of fluid, it may be difficult to aspirate significant volumes. |
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The anatomy of each joint will be discussed in its respective section in the Procedure section.
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