Ultrasound-guided glenohumeral infiltration

What is Ultrasound-Guided Glenohumeral Joint Infiltration?

Ultrasound-guided injection of the glenohumeral joint is an interventional procedure that uses ultrasound guidance to infuse analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication into the glenohumeral joint (the main shoulder joint).
The main objective is to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint and improve shoulder mobility in certain pathological conditions. The use of ultrasound guidance provides greater precision in accessing the joint and administering the medication.

What are the indications for Ultrasound-Guided Glenohumeral Joint Infiltration?

The main indications for ultrasound-guided injection of the glenohumeral joint include:

• Inflammatory joint processes: inflammation and joint effusion that cause pain and reduced shoulder function. Ultrasound access and precision allow us to evacuate joint effusion and treat inflammation by administering anti-inflammatory medications.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Although injections do not repair a torn tendon, they can be useful for treating pain and inflammation associated with tendinopathies or partial rotator cuff tears that do not respond to other treatments.
• Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis: We can inject medications into the glenohumeral joint to reduce pain and improve the mobility limitations caused by osteoarthritis.
• Frozen shoulder, retractile capsulitis, or adhesive capsulitis: A process of joint stiffness that can last for months or even years. Treatment is rehabilitative. The use of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injections allows for more intense rehabilitation with less pain, shortening recovery times.

Ultrasound-guided injections of the glenohumeral joint are a valid treatment for controlling shoulder pain, either alone or in combination with rehabilitation treatment. Reducing pain prior to rehabilitation can be an effective measure to shorten rehabilitation times and achieve early functional recovery.

What is the ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection procedure like?

The ultrasound-guided injection of the glenohumeral joint is usually performed in an outpatient setting and takes 10 to 15 minutes. The steps are as follows:

• Preparation: An ultrasound is performed beforehand, and the entry site is marked on the skin.
• Local anesthesia: A small amount of local anesthetic may be applied to the skin to reduce pain during the injection.
• Asepsis: An antiseptic is applied to the skin, and the equipment and the dressing are prepared under strict aseptic conditions.
• Ultrasound guidance: Ultrasound is used to guide the needle into the shoulder joint and ensure that the medication is administered at the correct site.
• Medication injection: The medication is administered through the needle and into the shoulder joint, monitoring the distension of its joint capsule.

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