Ultrasound-Guided Musculoskeletal Injections

Prolotherapy

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings The therapy is for the treatment of chronic pain by injecting quantities of irritant substances at multiple sites of a ligament, tendon or joint. Prolotherapy was brought into popularity in the 1950s by Dr George…

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in Achilles tendinosis and in refractory tendinopathies and enthesopathies (plantar fasciitis, greater trochanteric insertion overload and lateral epicondylitis). It is also used in calcific tendonitis, most commonly in…

Coblation

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings The technique is used to treat tendinopathy, most often the rotator cuff, the epicondylitis insertions at the elbow and the plantar fascia. Coblation has been used for the Achilles and patellar tendon; however, tendon rupture…

Biopsy

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings A biopsy is performed when tissue is needed to obtain a histological diagnosis, which is usually when a lesion is considered to be a possible malignancy, inflammatory mass or infection. You’re Reading a Preview Become…

Barbotage

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings A barbotage is performed to treat calcium deposits within a tendon, usually the supraspinatus tendon. These deposits are commonly the result of calcific tendinopathy. You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full…

Tendon sheath ganglion aspiration

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings Inflammatory arthritis, athletic activity or injury may cause a ganglion. Pain and swelling are typical. The tendon sheath is distended with fluid and possible synovial tissue (tenosynovitis), with a large amount of low-echo ‘fluid’ either…

Dry needling (peppering, fenestration)

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings Inflammatory arthritis, chronic injury or overuse may cause inflammation/microtearing of the tendon. Pain and swelling are present at the affected area. Hypoechoic areas and clefts with or without neovascularity and calcifications in the tendon. Irregularity…

Autologous blood

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings Autologous blood injection is used as a treatment for tendinopathy. It is a recognised procedure in the United Kingdom. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has reviewed the evidence and has issued…