Punktur

Punktur is a term used in several Nordic languages to denote a puncture: a hole produced by piercing with a pointed instrument, or the act of piercing. In medical contexts, the word is used for procedures that involve inserting a needle or similar instrument through the skin or a body wall to withdraw fluid, obtain tissue, or relieve pressure. The precise meaning depends on language and context, but the core idea is penetration by a sharp object.

In clinical settings, examples include lumbar puncture (sampling cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal), arthrocentesis (puncture of a joint to aspirate fluid), thoracentesis (removal of air or fluid from the pleural space), and various biopsy or aspiration procedures. These procedures are typically performed under aseptic conditions, often guided by imaging techniques to improve accuracy and safety, and require appropriate aftercare.

A puncture can also result in a puncture wound—an opening in the skin created by a sharp object. Such wounds range from superficial to deep and carry risks of infection, bleeding, and injury to nearby tissues. Treatment includes wound cleaning, possible tetanus prophylaxis, and medical evaluation if complications arise. In everyday language, the term also reflects the broader notion of a hole or opening produced by piercing.