Ultrasound-guided Intra-Articular Injections

Na, Kyoung Sun

Abstract

Ultrasonography (US) is being used increasingly to guide diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal injections. Intra-articular injection is an important mainstay in the treatment of joint diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, blind or palpation-based injection can result in inaccurate needle placement and can be challenging for small joints or difficult-to-access joints such as the hip joint. The correct position of the needle with guidance in the target area would improve the efficacy of the procedure and greatly improve the outcome. Compared to conventional fluoroscopic guidance, the advantages of US are that it avoids radiation exposure and the equipment is readily available and less expensive. Knowledge of anatomy and probe positioning, as well as the ability to coordinate the probe and needle are necessary when injecting patients under US guidance. This review describes the general considerations for intra-articular injections under US guidance and includes practical suggestions for the injection of individual joints.