Ultrasound-guided infiltration of rhizarthrosis

What is Ultrasound-Guided Infiltration for Rhizarthrosis?[VIDEO]

Ultrasound-Guided Infiltration for Rhizarthrosis

Ultrasound-guided infiltration for rhizarthrosis is a procedure that uses ultrasound guidance to introduce anti-inflammatory medication into the trapeziometacarpal joint, in cases where this joint is degenerated and affected by osteoarthritis (rhizarthrosis).

There are various degrees of joint involvement where, as the degree increases, deformity, pain, and loss of functionality increase as well. Undoubtedly, rehabilitation plays an important role in controlling pain and improving function in rhizarthrosis, but in cases where rehabilitative treatment is not effective, ultrasound-guided infiltration of rhizarthrosis may be indicated. Ultrasound-guided infiltration provides, in this case, a tool to treat rhizarthrosis in a fast, safe, and precise way. Precision is extremely important in small joints that, due to their degenerative process, may be difficult to infiltrate without ultrasound guidance.

What are the indications for Ultrasound-Guided Infiltration of Rhizarthrosis?

• Persistent and resistant pain: Infiltration is indicated when the pain caused by rhizarthrosis does not improve with first-line treatments such as activity modification, physical therapy, or oral anti-inflammatory medications.
• Inflammation of the joint: If the joint at the base of the thumb is inflamed and painful, intra-articular corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation.
• Improving function and range of motion: By reducing pain and inflammation, infiltration can help the patient recover some of the lost mobility and perform daily activities with less difficulty.
• Delay of surgery: Infiltration is an option for patients who wish to delay or avoid surgery. It can offer temporary relief, allowing the patient to continue with their activities while other treatment options are evaluated.
• Application of other treatments: Often, infiltration is used to inject, in addition to corticosteroids, other substances such as hyaluronic acid (which acts as a lubricant and cartilage protector) or growth factors (such as PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma), aiming for a more prolonged effect or modification of the disease. Ultrasound guidance is especially useful to ensure proper placement of these products.

What is the procedure for Ultrasound-Guided Infiltration of Rhizarthrosis?

The process for ultrasound-guided infiltration of the trapeziometacarpal joint includes:

• Patient placement: seated on a stool with lateral support of the hand to be infiltrated.
• Pre-ultrasound: where we will locate the joint line of the trapeziometacarpal joint and its joint capsule. Skin marking is done for the needle entry point.
• Asepsis: of the area to be infiltrated and the materials and instruments used.
• Ultrasound guidance: we visualize the needle in the correct position and the administration of the medication in the correct location.

The main goal of ultrasound-guided infiltration for rhizarthrosis is to improve pain function in the hand. This goal is not always achieved, especially in cases of rhizarthrosis with a high degree of joint involvement. In these cases, surgery will be indicated, and ultrasound-guided infiltration may be used as a technique to alleviate pain until surgery is performed.

Request an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will assist you at the Palma de Mallorca center and help you regain your quality of life.