How To Do Shoulder Arthrocentesis By Alexandra Villa-Forte, MD, MPH, Cleveland Clinic Reviewed / Revised Jun 2023 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Additional Considerations Relevant Anatomy Positioning Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks Topic Resources Arthrocentesis of the shoulder How to do Arthrocentesis... Arthrocentesis of the shoulder is the process of puncturing the glenohumeral joint with a needle to withdraw synovial fluid.