Haemarthrosis
RMA definition
In the Statements of Principles for Osteoarthritis the RMA has defined haemarthrosis to mean "bleeding into the joint".
General information
Haemarthrosis is associated with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. It can be caused by trauma to a joint, for example a fracture in the joint, or may occur in people undertaking anticoagulant therapy
The treatment of haemarthrosis, in haemophilia, is initiated with the immediate infusion of factor VIII or IX at the first sign of joint haemorrhage. Treatment can also include bed rest, analgesic doses of an NSAID, local application of ice or gene therapy. Surgery to remove the synovium in the affected joint or for osteotomy to remove a section of bone can also be undertaken, however these types of treatment tend to indicate that there is an underlying arthritic condition precipitating the Haemarthrosis.
Signs and symptoms
Haemarthrosis produces a warm, tensely swollen, and painful joint which is usually held in flexion and guarded against any movement. The blood in the joint space is resorbed over a period of a week or longer, depending on the size of the haemarthrosis. Joint function usually returns to normal or baseline in about 2 weeks.
Establishing onset
If a person had haemarthrosis he or she would have needed significant medical attention at that time. Such medical treatment would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records. However, if these records have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained and there is a reliable history of haemarthrosis at a particular time, this generally will be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence. Obtain medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to haemarthrosis rather than to some other condition.