Ultrasound Guided Injections

Ultrasound guided hip injections

To diagnose the source of pain and alleviate discomfort, hip joint injections are a conservative treatment approach that can be used. These injections typically consist of an anesthetic that blocks pain impulses and a steroid that reduces inflammation. Hip joint injections can be helpful for conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause pain in the hip, low back, buttock, or leg, particularly with certain activities and movements.

Indications:

Hip joint injections are often recommended to manage hip joint pain that persists despite other non-surgical treatment options. Hip joint injections can be used to alleviate pain associated with a variety of conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints), bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and soft tissue in the joint), synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining), defects in the hip labrum (the raised rim of cartilage that borders the lining of the acetabulum), and pain due to trauma or post-surgery.

Surgical procedure:

Hip joint injections are typically administered by a radiologist, and it is recommended that you bring any previous scans or X-rays of your hip. During the procedure, you will lie on your back, and an ultrasound scan will be used to locate and mark the injection site on your hip. After the site is cleaned and numbed, a needle will be inserted through the site and guided into the hip joint using real-time ultrasound imaging. An injection of anesthetic and steroid medication is then administered. The needle is then removed, and a small dressing is applied to cover the injection site. The entire procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will be monitored for a short time, and if stable, you will be allowed to return home.

After the procedure, your doctor will prescribe medication and recommend ice packs to alleviate any pain and soreness at the injection site.

It is important to avoid driving, bathing, or showering immediately after the procedure. While the anesthetic component of the injection provides immediate relief, the steroid component typically takes 2-3 days to take effect.

Although rare, there are potential risks and complications associated with this procedure, including bruising at the injection site, allergic reaction, infection, and leg problems or weakness.