[Synovial fluid analysis]
Araceli Martínez-Castillo1, Carlos Núñez, Javier Cabiedes
1Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Tlalpan, México D.F., México.
Reumatologia Clinica
|July 29, 2011
Summary
Synovial fluid analysis aids in diagnosing crystal arthropathies and septic arthritis. Comprehensive examination, including macroscopic, microscopic, and specific stains, guides joint condition diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Laboratory Medicine
- Crystallography
Context:
- Synovial fluid (SF) analysis is crucial in specialized laboratories.
- It aids in diagnosing crystal-associated arthropathies and septic arthritis.
- SF analysis supports rheumatologic diagnoses like monoarthritis and joint effusion.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic utility of synovial fluid analysis.
- To detail the components of a complete SF study: macroscopic, microscopic, and specific stains.
- To emphasize the role of polarized light microscopy in crystal identification.
Summary:
- Macroscopic analysis assesses color, volume, and viscosity.
- Microscopic analysis detects inflammatory/infectious processes and identifies crystals using polarized light microscopy, noting potential artifacts.
- Specific stains assist in identifying non-birefringent crystals, such as calcium hydroxyapatite.
Impact:
- Provides essential information for clinicians to establish diagnoses and guide treatment.
- Highlights the need for experienced observers for accurate interpretation.
- Points to emerging research areas like cytokine quantification and cell lineage characterization in SF analysis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Membrane Fluidity
178.1K
Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.
178.1K
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
9.3K
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
9.3K
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
2.6K
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
2.6K
01:29Composition of Body Fluids
3.0K
Water functions as a solvent accommodating various solutes, which can be categorized under electrolytes and non-electrolytes. Non-electrolytes are usually held together by covalent bonds, restricting them from dissociating in solution, thereby leading to a lack of electrically charged components upon dissolving in water. They are predominantly organic molecules, such as glucose, creatinine, and urea. Electrolytes, on the other hand, are compounds that can break down into ions in water.
3.0K
01:20Characteristics of Fluids
8.6K
When a force is applied parallel to the top surface of a solid, it resists the applied force due to the internal frictional forces between the layers of the solid known as shearing resistance. However, when the force is removed, the shearing forces restore the original shape of the solid. Other deformation forces also cause temporary changes in shape if the forces are not beyond a threshold magnitude. Solids tend to retain their shape, making the study of their rest and motion easier. Beyond...
8.6K
01:23Knee Joint
3.6K
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
3.6K