SALINE LOAD TEST FOR PENETRATION OF PERIARTICULAR LACERATIONS

We used a saline load test in 50 consecutive patients with periarticul ar lacerations suggestive of joint penetration, The surgeon had predic ted on clinical grounds whether or not the laceration penetrated the j oint, Joint penetration was demonstrated in 14 and was absent in 36, A comparison of the prediction and the test results showed that there w ere false-positive clinical results in 39% and false-negative ire 43%. There were no complications from the use of the test. Our findings su pport the use of a saline load test in evaluating periarticular lacera tions.