What does arthrocentesis accomplish?

Arthrocentesis is a medical procedure specifically designed to drain fluid from a joint. This procedure can serve multiple purposes, including alleviating pressure on the joint caused by excess fluid accumulation, obtaining a fluid sample for diagnostic analysis, and providing relief from pain or discomfort. During arthrocentesis, a needle is inserted into the joint space to either withdraw synovial fluid for examination or to inject medications directly into the joint. This makes it a crucial technique for managing joint disorders, diagnosing conditions like infections or inflammatory arthritis, and improving the overall function of the joint affected.

The other options pertain to very different medical procedures: removing the appendix is an appendectomy, reconstructing a blood vessel refers to vascular surgery, and cauterizing bleeding vessels involves techniques related to controlling hemorrhage. Therefore, they do not align with the purpose and function of arthrocentesis.