What Is Hip Joint Effusion?
Background All mobile joints, including the hip joint, contain a small amount of synovial fluid. This substance helps lubricate the cartilage surfaces so they move smoothly, and helps nourish and protect the cartilage in the joint. Too Much Fluid Hip joint effusion is when the joint has so much synovial fluid that you can either see it or feel it as a tense swelling or pain. According to the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, a visible or detectable swelling of a joint is never normal. Causes Many conditions can cause hip joint effusion, including arthritis, trauma (the fluid may also include blood), and infection (the fluid may be pus). Diagnosis X-rays can detect effusions; however, to determine if the joint contains blood or pus requires a synovial fluid analysis. Treatment According to the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, treatments for hip joint effusion depend on the cause of the fluid accumulation. A
