31st January 2024

Haemarthrosis

Haemarthrosis is due to bleeding into a joint. It typically results following trauma and affects 1 joint- therefore, it can present as a painful, swollen single joint. A clear history is important to diagnose the condition, as well as clinical examination and imaging. Atraumatic haemarthrosis can occur in people with bleeding disorders, for example, haemophilia. A definitive diagnosis will involve joint aspiration- where clotting or bleeding disorders are of concern, this should be done by Orthopaedic colleagues and should be discussed with the Haematology team as consideration of blood products may be needed to avoid life-threatening bleeding.