Echo-guided therapy (EGT) is a novel technique that we use to treat soft tissue injuries of the locomotor system (muscular, ligamentous, bursal or tendon). The peculiarity of these techniques is that they are performed with the assistance of a high frequency ultrasound.
Initially a diagnosis of the injury is made (we have to know what we are treating to be able to cure it) and then we can perform small procedures -even mini-surgeries- and/or administer treatments exactly in the affected area, which accelerates the recovery of the injury.
The most common injuries that can be treated are :
Tendonitis: Patellar, Achilles, quadricipital, epicondylitis, Enthesitis.
Mechanical: Spring toes
Neurological: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Morton’s Neuroma.
Fasciitis: Plantar, Iliotibial Cintilla.
Bursitis: Achilles, Patellar, Olecranian.
Thanks to this therapy can be performed biopsies to diagnose some diseases, and even perform eco-arthroscopic surgeries.
Echo-guided infiltrations
We can aspirate liquid (bursitis, ganglions, cysts, …), hematomas (fibrillar rupture, contusions) or infiltrate medication that recovers the injury.
The medications to be administered can be:
– Platelet Rich Plasma / Stem Cells.
– Corticoids + Local Anesthetic
– Hyaluronic Acid
– Transcutaneous serotherapy (Hydrodilution)
Advantages of TEG
– No hospital admission required, treatment is performed on an outpatient basis.
– High frequency ultrasound does not emit radiation.
– The studies can be repeated to follow the evolution of the lesion.
– Easy comparison with the contralateral limb and its structure.
– Localized and precise treatment.
Conclusion: We believe that the future of the treatment of these injuries is to make an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment where ultrasound can help us considerably.
“The Ultrasound has become the phonendo of the Sports Traumatologist”.
Dr Pedro Bernáldez Domínguez
SPORTME Sports Traumatology – (Seville)