Definition: Hemarthrosis is the term used when bleeding into a joint occurs. Hemarthrosis is an important cause of joint swelling and pain. Definitive diagnosis requires withdrawing the fluid from the joint with a needle and inspecting it for blood.
Causes of hemarthrosis include:
- trauma
- bleeding disorders
- neurologic deficits
- arthritis
- cancer
- vascular damage - such as torn blood vessels
