Hemarthrosis

X-ray of knee hemarthrosis

Etiology[edit | edit source]

Hemarthrosis literally means blood in the joint

Definition[edit | edit source]

It is defined by bleeding into and swelling of a joint

Causes[edit | edit source]

Most cases are either due to trauma, injection, surgery or bleeding disorders

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

Swelling
Pain
Limitation in joint movement
Risk of infection
Warmth

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

A physical examination and history
Synovial Fluid analysis - Reddish-colored hue of the sample is an indication of the blood being present.
X-rays, CT/MRI imaging, and or joint aspiration

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the cause and may include pain control, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, synovectomy and or surgery.

Hemarthrosis

Hemophilia and hemarthrosis[edit | edit source]

In hemophilia it may occur spontaneously, and recurrent hemarthroses are a major cause of disability in hemophilacs leading to hemophilic arthropathy, requiring synovectomy, joint replacement. Reducing hemarthroses events using intravenous administration of blood clotting factor concentrate on a regular basis starting in early childhood, reduces joint deterioration and increases the person's quality of life compared to "on demand" treatment is recommended.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Up to a quarter of all severe ligament or capsular knee injuries leading to a haemarthrosis are associated with cartilage damage that can lead to progressive degenerative arthritis.^[1]

Hemarthrosis Resources
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