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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
[Identification of crystals in synovial fluid]
Abstract:
The basic principles of the determination of crystals in synovial fluid by means of the polarisation microscope are described. The presence of crystals in synovial fluid was determined in 48 patients with the following clinical diagnoses: rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, reactive arthritis, in patients with a diagnosis of extraarticular rheumatism: peritendinitis, in patients with reactive arthritis and in 2 patients with injured knee joint. Crystals of Na urate, Ca-pyrophosphate dihydrate and cholesterol were found. The analysis of synovial fluid for the presence of crystals in an important diagnostic procedure contributing greatly to the quick and correct diagnosis of arthritis.
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