Answer
With the patient in a seated position, the arm is held comfortably at the patient’s side and externally rotated. The coracoid is palpated, and the needle is inserted approximately 1.5 in. (~4 cm) laterally and 1.5 in. (~4 cm) inferiorly. Alternatively, the shoulder can be approached posteriorly by inserting the needle inferior to the acromion. (See the image below.)

For more information, see Shoulder Arthrocentesis.
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Media Gallery
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Medial approach to aspiration of ankle joint.
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Medial approach to aspiration of knee joint.
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Anterior approach to aspiration of glenohumoral joint. Point where coracoid can be palpated is marked with "C."
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Approach to aspiration of the wrist joint.
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Approach to aspiration of elbow joint, with landmarks labeled. LE = lateral epicondyle; R = radial head; O = olecranon.
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Medial approach to aspiration of metacarpophalangeal joint.
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