intraartikulaarsed

Intraartikulaarsed is an Estonian adjective describing something located within a joint capsule or procedures performed inside a joint cavity (intra-articular). In medical use, it often refers to injections, fluids, or pathologies that involve the synovial joint space.

A joint consists of articular surfaces enclosed by a fibrous capsule, lined by the synovial membrane, and filled with synovial fluid. Intra-articular refers to structures or interventions inside this cavity, as opposed to periarticular, which means around the joint. The term is used to distinguish within the joint space from surrounding tissues.

Common indications include treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, management of joint effusions, and diagnostic or therapeutic arthrocentesis. Intra-articular procedures may be performed to deliver medications directly to the synovial space or to obtain synovial fluid for analysis.

Intra-articular injections are among the typical interventions. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and pain; hyaluronic acid preparations aim to improve lubrication and viscosity of the joint fluid; other options, such as platelet-rich plasma or biologics, may be used in certain cases. The choice of agent depends on the joint involved and the clinical condition.

Risks and considerations include infection (septic arthritis), temporary pain flare after injection, bleeding, and potential damage to cartilage or surrounding structures if performed improperly. Contraindications include active infection within the joint, uncorrected coagulopathy, or certain patient-specific factors that require caution.