FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ULTRASOUND-GUIDED INFILTRATION

1.- What is ultrasound-guided injection?

An ultrasound-guided injection is a procedure in which a medication is injected into an anatomical structure using real-time imaging provided by ultrasound.

2.- What does ultrasound-guided injection mean?

The term ultrasound-guided injection refers to the use of ultrasound to guide the needle that injects the medication to the target anatomical structure.

3.- How many days of rest are needed after an injection?

The general recommendation is 48 hours of joint rest; complete rest is not required.

4.- What side effects can an injection have?

Side effects depend on the medication administered.

In the case of corticosteroids, they can cause temporary increases in blood glucose or blood pressure levels. Local complications may include skin hypopigmentation at the injection site or subcutaneous fat atrophy. The side effects of hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are practically nonexistent.

5.- How painful is an injection?

The pain of ultrasound-guided injections can vary depending on the area to be injected and the anatomical structure being injected. The injections most commonly used in daily practice use a local anesthetic combined with cortisone. The local anesthetic reduces the initial pain within a few seconds of starting the procedure.

6.- How long does it take for the injection to take effect?

Ultrasound-guided injections that use local anesthetic provide almost immediate pain relief, which lasts for several hours, depending on the anesthetic used.

7.- What can be done after an injection?

After an ultrasound-guided injection, active mobilization of the injected limb is permitted, but physical exertion or overloading is not recommended for the first 48 hours.

8.- Where are ultrasound-guided injections administered?

Ultrasound-guided injections are used to treat joint, tendon, muscle, bursa, and other conditions, around nerves, or between the fascia or covering of muscles, among other structures.

9.- What types of ultrasound-guided injections are available?

Ultrasound-guided injections always require the same preparation. The medications administered during injections vary:

• corticosteroids,
• hyaluronic acid,
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP),
• dextrose, or botulinum toxin.

10.- How many hyaluronic acid injections are available in the knees?

There are several types of hyaluronic acid on the market. A few years ago, there were treatments with several injections administered a few weeks apart. Currently, most hyaluronic acid treatments are single injections.

11.- How many days of sick leave are given for an injection?

It depends on the area injected, the medication administered, and the patient's occupation.

12.- How many injections can you receive?

It depends on the medication administered. Cortisone injections are not recommended more than 3 times a year, with a maximum of 4 in the same anatomical structure. The effect of hyaluronic acid usually lasts 7-8 months to 1 year. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cycles are usually 3 injections spaced 2-3 weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated.

13.- When is an injection necessary?

Injection is a weapon against pain. It is a treatment that can be considered when treatments such as rest, medication, or physical therapy are ineffective, or as a first course of treatment if the pain is severe.

It is a treatment that provides rapid and generally long-lasting relief if the patient's condition allows it. It allows us to perform physical therapy with less pain, reduce convalescence days, or reduce the need for painkillers.

It can delay prosthetic implantation in young patients or relieve postoperative pain.

14.- What is better, injecting corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid?

One is neither better nor worse than the other. Each medication has its own indication depending on the pathology being treated.

15.- What happens if you are injected with corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are the most potent anti-inflammatory available; they will likely reduce inflammation and pain.

16.- What should not be done after an ultrasound-guided injection?

After an ultrasound-guided injection, active mobilization of the injected limb is permitted, but physical exertion or overloading is not recommended for the first 48 hours.

17.- What does it feel like after an ultrasound-guided injection?

If the ultrasound-guided injection involves a local anesthetic, numbness in the area is normal, including areas far from the puncture site if the anesthetic has diffused near a nerve. Transient local pain or warmth is normal. A feeling of swelling is also normal.

18.- What doctor performs ultrasound-guided injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections can be performed by any physician with experience in ultrasound and ultrasound-guided interventional techniques.

19.- What injections are covered by Social Security?

Social Security covers all injection treatments currently performed.

20.- What should I do before an ultrasound-guided injection?

Generally speaking, there is no prior preparation for an ultrasound-guided injection. For PRP injections, a fat-free diet is recommended 24 hours before the blood draw and avoiding alcohol for 48 hours before the injection. It is also recommended not to use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) two weeks before the procedure and one week after.

On the other hand, there are some injection procedures performed in the operating room that require preparation. If in doubt, ALWAYS ASK your doctor.

21.- How long does the pain last after an injection?

There may be local discomfort during the first 24-48 hours.

22.- What should I take for injection pain?

In the case of ultrasound-guided injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, analgesics such as paracetamol, metamizole, tramadol, or NSAIDs can be used. In the case of injections with PRP, NSAIDs should be avoided, as previously mentioned.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He'll see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.