What are ultrasound-guided infiltrations?
Ultrasound-guided infiltrations are minimally invasive procedures used to introduce drug or non-drug substances with almost 100% precision into the desired tissue or structure (joints, tendons, muscles or nerve blocks).
How are they different from conventional infiltration? Are they painful?
The great advantage of ultrasound guidance is not only in relation to the increase in effectiveness compared to blind puncture, but also to the decrease in complications associated with the accidental puncture of unwanted structures or the action of the infiltrated material on these theoretically healthy structures.
As to whether they are painful or not, it will depend on each patient, but they do not necessarily have to be more painful than a conventional infiltration.
Is it a type of infiltration that can be applied to all injuries?
Ultrasound-guided infiltrations are indicated in various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system:
- Joints: osteoarthritis and arthritis (emptying of effusions, applications of corticosteroids, growth factors, hyaluronic acid).
- Tendons: tendinitis, tendonitis (growth factors, corticosteroids, aspiration of calcifications).
- Muscular: contractures, emptying of hematomas (local anesthetics, botulinum toxin, emptying of hematomas, growth factors).
- Nerves: nerve blocks to treat pain (local anesthetics).
Why is it important to be able to infiltrate under ultrasound control?
Ultrasound-guided infiltrations have demonstrated their superiority over blind infiltrations, both in terms of their effectiveness in treating the lesion by ensuring infiltration at the desired site, and in reducing complications by avoiding an erroneous puncture and inoculation of the drug at an undesired site.
In addition, by ensuring that we reach the target accurately, it can allow us to reduce the doses of the drugs used and thus also reduce possible adverse effects.
What will the results be like and how long will the patient notice the effect?
The results are usually highly satisfactory. On the other hand, the duration of the effects will depend on each patient, but if the indication is correct and the target has been well chosen, the treatment can be definitive.
For more information about the procedure contact a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.