CORTISONE LONDON

Ultrasound guided injections are used when an injection needs to be delivered precisely into the injury site. All of our Specialists Doctors have undergone specific and specialised training in order to be able to carry out this procedure.

Our Specialist Doctors have all undergone advanced training in the use of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes as well. Ultrasound scanning is excellent for diagnosing injuries to specific areas, including: tendons, ligaments and soft tissue structures.

If you know you require one or are seeking an ultrasound guided injection, we are able to administer this during your initial 30 minute consultation.

What is ultrasound and how is it used in conjunction with cortisone injection therapy?

Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging technique which utilises high frequency waves to visualise subcutaneous body structures including muscles tendons, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. Ultrasound is utilised with no known adverse effects in increase the accuracy of a corticosteroid injection. It will not be used for diagnosis during your injection.

There is a significant amount of research which demonstrates that ultrasound guided injections give better levels of pain relief, longer lasting effects and improve functioning of said joint compared with blind injections. There is also evidence that it reduces the risk of trauma or misplacement of the needle thus improving the safety of the injection.

Ultrasound Guided Cortisone Injections for the Knee

Injections around the knee are now more commonly completed with guidance to ensure optimal needle placement for a more significant effect. Evidence has been seen to prove the use of this tool allowing a clinician to visualise the joint beneath in which the injection is being performed and thus improve accuracy. Its use particularly within the knee joint has been readily promoted due to the accomplished access then to the intercondylar recess and the anterolateral suprapatellar pouch commonly affected with arthritic changes.

Use of sonographic visualisation is seen to improve patient comfort as injections into pockets of effusion can often be more comfortable than contact with bone. Aspiration techniques are now well evidenced to be more effective and less painful under guidance. The use of ultrasound enables the clinician to choose a route of access, thus avoiding bony landmarks that commonly occur within degenerative joints. The use of such tool also facilitates the opportunity to access pockets of effusion, ensuring intracapsular injection alongside a significant reduction in patient comfort.

Shoulder Injections

Acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint injections are some of the most popular procedures referred for specifically for a ultrasound guided joint injection. They are most commonly performed as part of a comprehensive management tool alongside a course of physiotherapy. The use of a modality such as ultrasound enables good needle visualisation from the start and thus is often more specific and comfortable for the patient. Its use in subacromial bursitis pathologies is commonly highlighted due to the specificity of where the injection should enter into.

Lumbar Spine Cortisone Injections

An image guided lumbar facet joint injection is commonly completed with use of sonographic imaging due to the specific placement needed at this space. The procedure is commonly utilised for disc or facet joint related problems and is something which is usually recommended by a doctor if simple modalities such as simple analgesics or physiotherapy are not having the desired effect.

With a more arthritic presentation in the lumbar spine sometimes the injection can be technically difficult due to narrower joint spaces therefore increasing use of ultrasound guidance upon completion of such injection.

Ostenil Plus Injections

We are pleased to announce we are now able to offer patients Ostenil Plus. Learn more.