Introduction to Ultrasound Guided Injection?
An Ultrasound Guided Injection is an increasingly popular technique in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and orthopaedics for administering joint injections.
It refers to injection performed under ultrasound image guidance which has revolutionised how clinicians are able to provide quality treatment and help patients recover from painful ailments.
It is a safer and more effective way of injecting Joints, muscles and tendons than traditional methods which used anatomical landmarks.
What is an Ultrasound Guided Injection?
An ultrasound injection uses Ultrasound technology to locate the precise area where the injection may need to be administered.
The procedure involves applying sterile ultrasound gel to the area and then using an ultrasound probe to visualise the different tissues in the body so that the injection is more accurate and in the correct location.
Prior to this technique it was common for practitioners to inject patients using their own knowledge of human anatomy.
However the increased accuracy with an Ultrasound Guided Injection means the procedure may also be more effective as the medication is being delivered to the correct area.
This reduces the patients’ need to visit the clinician again if treatment fails if needle placement was initially inaccurate.
It helps the patient by leading to a quicker recovery.
In a study of 1315 knee injections, ultrasound guided knee injections were found to be more accurate across every anatomical needle injection site compared to anatomical landmark/palpation guided injections (William et Al, 2021)
Radwan and Elsaman (2021) studied 168 injections into various tissues in the shoulder injection and found Ultrasound-guided injections showed better outcomes for all the 4 injections, especially intra-articular injections. Interestingly, ultrasound guided injections had significantly less complications than palpation based injections
In our practice we have found Ultrasound injections help greatly with conditions such as subacromial bursitis in the shoulder (both in terms of diagnosis and treatment).
They are also very useful in conditions such as Knee Arthritis where fluid can be carefully aspirated from a knee swelling (under ultrasound guidance)or in procedures such and nerve or tendon hydrodissection procedures which have to be carried out with total precision
How does The Ultrasound Work?
Modern day Medical Ultrasound incorporates advanced technology that only specialised hospitals and clinics have access to.
Ultrasound was first invented in 1956 by Engineer Tom Brown and Obstetrician Ian Donald in Glasgow.
The Ultrasound probe sends High Frequency Sound waves, that cannot be heard, into the body. These waves reflect off of soft tissues, tendons and muscles and echo back to the probe.
This transmits a signal which the Ultrasound translates into an image that can be displayed on the Screen.
Types Of Ultrasound Injection
Ultrasound Injections are beneficial for various treatments that involve injecting into soft tissue areas.
Some injections require extreme precision for the treatment to be successful.
Cortisone Injection – This is the most common medication injected into joints especially for conditions such as Osteoarthritis. It is an anti-inflammatory injections with very good pain relieving effects.
PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma involves taking blood from the vein and placing it in a machine called a Centrifuge. This spins the blood at high speeds until the different components that make up the blood have been separated and you are left with a solution that is ‘Platelet Rich’. This solution is then injected back into Muscles, Tendons and Joints in order to speed up the repair process.
This Injection requires a high degree of accuracy so that the Platelets are injected into the correct location for optimum results
Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic Acid is an injection often used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis. This solution often improves the mobility of the joint as well as reducing pain and stiffness
Hyaluronic Acid is purchased at great expense hence injecting into the correct region is vital to avoid treatment failure and the expense of another injection.
Arthrosamid – This new advanced treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis. It is only to be injected under ultrasound guidance as any injection outside the suprapatellar recess can leak into soft tissues and cause redness/swelling and great discomfort.
We have noted in our practice one problem with injecting knees with Advanced Arthritis is injecting based on anatomical landmarks can lead to an inaccurate injection at times.
Occasionally the needles may not enter the joint cavity and instead can be blocked by a bony spur or osteophyte with the injectate travelling into the soft tissue and causing pain and swelling after the injection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of an Ultrasound Guided Injection Vs A Traditional Injection?
The maintained advantage of Ultrasound Guided Injection is of course the increased accuracy. A more accurate injection means quicker, more effective treatment. This can mean patients don’t have to keep going back to have costly treatments over and over again, and can be pain obtain much needed pain relief more quickly
Is the Injection painful?
The degree of pain varies from patient to patient and can also change depending on the type of treatment the patient has. At MyMSK Clinic we use local Anaesthetic to numb the area with tiny needles so that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
How much does an Ultrasound Guided Injection Cost?
The cost of an Ultrasound Guided Injection varies in different locations across the UK and across different types of treatment.
At MyMSK Clinic the charges are on our pricing page and cost from £225.
Our prices are listed on our pricing page to ensure we are providing the best possible care at an affordable price.
You can make an appointment by calling 0333 772 9655 or by visiting our Booking Page.
