Use of Saline as an Indication of Intra-Articular Injury

Confirmation of knee joint capsule penetration following injury (wounds over the knee) can be a difficult clinical situation.¹ A useful technique is the intra-articular injection of sterile saline (50 ml) under aseptic conditions away from the wound. Observation of draining saline through the wound will confirm capsular breach and prompt immediate arthrotomy. This test can be used both on-table or in the emergency department.