Use of Anatomical Landmarks in Arthrocentesis of the Knee Joint by General Practitioners in Kwara State

Arthrocentesis of the knee joint is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving the aspiration of synovial fluid or intra-articular injection performed widely by general practitioners, orthopaedic surgeons, and rheumatologists. Accurate needle placement depends on precise identification of the patellar borders, joint line, and soft tissue anatomy of the knee. Improper needle placement can result in cartilage damage, haemarthrosis, or incomplete fluid aspiration, compromising both diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of anatomical landmark use by general practitioners performing knee arthrocentesis at government hospitals in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A structured observational assessment using a validated competency checklist will be applied to 80 general practitioners during supervised arthrocentesis sessions on clinical patients and knee models. Accuracy of landmark identification will be compared with ultrasonographic needle placement confirmation. Performance will be correlated with postgraduate training level and frequency of the procedure in practice. The study anticipates identifying anatomy training deficiencies and recommending a practical landmark-based arthrocentesis training module for integration into continuing professional development programmes for general practitioners in Kwara State.

Keywords: arthrocentesis, knee anatomy, general practitioners, landmark identification, Kwara State