Ultrasound-guided infiltration of the Iliopsoas complex

Ultrasound-guided infiltration of the iliopsoas muscle is a medical procedure that targets the psoas muscle tendon and the bursa that protects it from friction with the acetabulum. As we saw previously in the iliopsoas tendinopathy post,There are several causes of pain in the psoas tendon and its bursa.

The main indications for ultrasound-guided injections of the iliopsoas complex are:

• Acute tendonitis of the psoas tendon: acute pain due to overuse or overexertion that does not resolve with general measures such as rest, NSAIDs, or therapeutic exercise.
• Bursitis of the psoas tendon: inflammation of the bursa, or structure that protects the tendon from excessive friction. It may accumulate more or less fluid, and ultrasound-guided injections of a corticosteroid-based anesthetic provide almost immediate relief.
• Tendinopathy or tendinosis of the psoas tendon: degenerative wear of the tendon, with multiple causes (aging, overuse, rheumatic diseases, etc.), which may benefit from regenerative therapy with ultrasound-guided injections of platelet-derived growth factors (PRP).
• Other hip problems, such as hip osteoarthritis, can coexist with inflammation of the psoas tendon. Ultrasound-guided injections of the hip joint can be combined with ultrasound-guided injections of the psoas tendon and its bursa in the same procedure.

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Ultrasound guidance provides a clear and precise view of the psoas tendon and its bursa, while simultaneously monitoring the nerve, arterial, and venous structures in the region. Therefore, ultrasound-guided injections of the iliopsoas complex are an affordable, safe, and precise treatment that can improve pain and function in the affected hip.

The proximity of large blood vessels and nerve structures means this procedure requires a trauma specialist with experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided interventions.