Ultrasound-Guided Tendon, Joint and Musculoskeletal Injections

The Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Injection Therapy

 

Ultrasound imaging has become an indispensable tool for injection therapy, offering numerous advantages over traditional injection techniques and other imaging modalities. Some of the key benefits of ultrasound-guided injections include:

  • Real-time visualization: Ultrasound enables physicians to guide the needle precisely to the desired location, providing real-time imaging of soft tissue and vascular structures that ensures accurate medication delivery and minimizes the risk of complications associated with incorrect needle placement.
  • No ionizing radiation: Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not expose patients or healthcare providers to ionizing radiation, making ultrasound a safer option, especially for patients requiring multiple injections.
  • Improved patient comfort: Ultrasound-guided injections are generally less painful than traditional injections, helping to reduce patient anxiety and increase overall satisfaction with the procedure.
  • Enhanced treatment outcomes: Ultrasound-guided injections can lead to better treatment outcomes, including improved pain relief, reduced inflammation, and faster healing times.
  • Cost-effective and convenient: Ultrasound is a relatively inexpensive imaging modality compared to other techniques like MRI or CT scans. Additionally, ultrasound-guided injections can be performed in an outpatient setting.
  • Versatility: Ultrasound can be used to guide a variety of tendon, joint, and musculoskeletal injections, providing relief for conditions affecting various parts of the body, including the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, wrist, hand, foot, and ankle.

How Ultrasound-Guided Injections Work

 

Physicians using ultrasound-guided injection are able to visualize the targeted area, ensuring the precise delivery of medication such as corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or viscosupplementation directly to the affected joint, tendon, or other musculoskeletal structure.

By ensuring accurate medication placement, ultrasound-guided injections can improve pain management and enhance function for patients suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions.

Types of Ultrasound-Guided Injections

 

Steroid, PRP, and Viscosupplementation Injections

  • Steroid injections: These injections contain corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce pain and inflammation in affected areas.
  • PRP injections: Platelet-rich plasma is derived from the patient’s blood and contains growth factors promoting healing, tissue regeneration, and faster recovery.
  • Viscosupplementation injections: These injections contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that lubricates and cushions joints, particularly useful in treating knee osteoarthritis.

 

Specific Injection Sites and Their Benefits

Ultrasound-guided injections can be performed at various sites throughout the body, including:

  • Knee
    • Knee joint
    • Meniscus and ligaments
    • Baker’s cyst
  • Shoulder
    • Rotator cuff/subacromial bursa
    • Acromioclavicular joint
    • Shoulder/glenohumeral joint
    • Labrum
    • Biceps tendon
  • Hip
    • Hip joint
    • Labrum
    • Bursa/greater trochanter/gluteal tendons
    • Iliopsoas tendon/bursa
    • Piriformis
  • Elbow
    • Lateral epicondyle (tennis elbow)
    • Medial epicondyle (golfer’s elbow)
    • Elbow joint
  • Wrist and hand
    • Thumb/first CMC joint
    • Carpal tunnel
    • Trigger finger
    • DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
  • Foot and ankle 
    • Plantar fascia
    • Achilles tendon
    • Ankle joint
    • Morton’s neuroma
    • Tarsal tunnel

Conditions Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Injections

 

Shoulder to Hand: Addressing Upper Body Pain

Ultrasound-guided injections can effectively treat a wide range of upper body conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome. By targeting the specific area of inflammation or damage, these injections can reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.

Hip to Ankle: Solutions for Lower Body Discomfort

For lower body conditions, such as hip and knee arthritis, hip bursitis, meniscus tears, and plantar fasciitis, ultrasound-guided injections offer a targeted approach to pain relief and improved function. By delivering medication directly to the affected area, these injections can help patients manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

 

Preparing for Your Injection

Before the procedure, your physician will discuss your medical history, allergies, and any medications you are currently taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as NSAIDs (before PRP injections) or blood thinners in certain cases for a period of time before an injection. On the day of the procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the injection site.

During the injection, you will lie or sit comfortably while the physician uses the ultrasound transducer to visualize the targeted area. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the injection site before the injection is administered.

 

Recovery and Follow-Up

After the injection, you may experience temporary discomfort or swelling at the injection site. Your physician will provide specific post-injection care instructions, which may include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients can resume normal activities on the same day to within a few days after the injection, but following your physician’s guidance is essential to ensure proper healing.

The timeline for improvement varies depending on the specific condition and the type of injection administered. Some patients may experience relief within a few days, while others may require several weeks to notice significant improvements. Your physician will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Choosing Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Arizona

 

When considering ultrasound-guided treatments for your musculoskeletal condition, choosing a medical team with expertise and experience in this specialized field is crucial. At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, our highly trained Arizona physicians use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to deliver precise, targeted treatments for a wide range of conditions.

Call our office or request an appointment by clicking below. When you arrive for your first appointment, be sure to bring any relevant medical records, imaging results, and a list of your current medications. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve optimal pain relief and improved function.

Phoenix Office

3700 N 24th Street, Ste 210.

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Mesa Office

6634 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 101

Mesa, AZ 85206

Scottsdale Office

8670 E Shea Blvd Suite 102

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Gilbert Office

3615 S Rome St.

Gilbert, AZ 85297

Peoria Office

13128 N 94th Drive, Suite 200

Peoria, AZ 85381

Downloadable PDFs

Hip Joint injections – PDF

Trigger Point Injections – PDF

Patient Testimonials