Elbow arthrocentesis

The landmarks for injection or aspiration of the elbow joint are the radial head, lateral epicondyle, and tip of the olecranon. A needle inserted into the center of the triangle penetrates only the anconeus muscle and capsule before entering the joint. The patient is supine with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees and the hand tucked under the buttock. A triangle is made with points at the lateral epicondyle, radial head, and olecranon process. The needle is inserted in the center of the triangle, perpendicular to the skin and parallel to the radial head, 0.75 to 1 inch (about 2 to 2.5 cm) deep.