What is an Elbow Injection or Aspiration?

Removing fluid from the elbow (joint aspiration) for laboratory testing can help a doctor diagnose the nature and severity of a patient’s condition. Some types of conditions, such as tendonitis or bursitis, benefit from the injection of medications into the joint space. Joint injections or aspirations are usually done under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office or in a hospital. Elbow injections may require the aid of an X-ray called fluoroscopy for guidance.