What are Steroid Injections?

Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections or cortisone injections, are a form of medical treatment in which a corticosteroid medication is injected directly into a specific area of the body affected by inflammation. These injections can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve function in joints, tendons, bursae, and other musculoskeletal structures.

What are Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections?

Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure in which a corticosteroid medication, along with a local anaesthetic, is accurately delivered to the affected area using real-time ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound guidance ensures precise needle placement, allowing for more effective and targeted treatment.

Conditions Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections:

Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Tendinitis (e.g., rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis elbow)
• Bursitis (e.g., trochanteric bursitis, subacromial bursitis)
• Arthritis (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Joint inflammation (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee, ankle)

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections:

1. Improved Precision: Ultrasound guidance allows for accurate needle placement, ensuring that the medication reaches the exact target site for optimal treatment efficacy.
2. Reduced Risk of Complications: The real-time imaging minimises the risk of accidental nerve or blood vessel injury during the injection procedure.
3. Tailored Treatment: The ability to visualise the affected area in real-time enables a personalised treatment plan, ensuring the injection is delivered precisely to the source of inflammation and pain.

Interesting Statistics on Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections:

1. Enhanced Effectiveness: Studies have shown that ultrasound-guided steroid injections are more effective in relieving pain and inflammation compared to injections done without guidance. The precise placement allows for better medication distribution within the affected area.
2. Faster Relief: Patients receiving ultrasound-guided steroid injections often experience faster pain relief and improved functional outcomes compared to traditional injections.
3. Reduced Need for Repeat Injections: Due to the accuracy of ultrasound guidance, patients may require fewer repeat injections, leading to overall reduced treatment frequency.

Considerations and Potential Risks:

While ultrasound-guided steroid injections are generally safe and well-tolerated, it's essential to consider potential risks, including:

•  Temporary increase in pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Allergic reactions to the medication (rare)
• Possible infection at the injection site (minimal risk)

Our highly skilled medical team at Pacifica Health will discuss the benefits, risks, and considerations of ultrasound-guided steroid injections with you to ensure that this treatment aligns with your individual needs and medical history.

If you have any questions or concerns about ultrasound-guided steroid injections or any aspect of your musculoskeletal condition, please feel free to reach out to us.