A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency room for evaluation of right knee pain for the past five days. He denies a history of trauma and is afebrile on examination. A right knee effusion is noted on exam. Arthrocentesis is planned and a traditional palpation-guided method is being considered versus an ultrasound-guided technique.

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of the ultrasound-guided technique in this setting?