By Dr. Michael Harper, OSMS Interventional Sports Medicine / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician

Dr. Michael Harper, OSMS’ first non-surgical Interventional Sports Medicine/Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician, is an expert in performing ultrasound-guided injections. He has experience in delivering multiple types of injections to patients of various ages and abilities.

---

If you suffer from joint pain, there are multiple non-surgical options to help treat the source of your pain. One common method is orthopedic injections.

For some cases, injections can be very difficult to perform. Even the most experienced and confident orthopedic physician might be unsuccessful due to the incredible precision some of these injections require.

In those cases, an ultrasound-guided injection may be recommended.

What are Ultrasound-Guided Injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections are a modern solution to giving injections “blind”. They are conducted in a similar way to traditional injections, although technology is used to see exactly where the injection must be administered. The same type of gel and instrument is used for pregnant women at the OBGYN office.

The doctor will use a probe on the joint to identify landmarks, and the injection is delivered with a traditional needle and syringe. This process provides an extra layer of accuracy and safety for the injection and leaves much less room for error.

When are Injections Administered?

Sometimes, rest, medications or physical therapy does not relieve pain for some patients.  An injection delivers medicine directly into the affected area and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, arthritis and joint pain. Common types of medications include cortisone (a steroid), hyaluronic acid (commonly called “chicken comb” or “rooster juice”) and platelet-rich plasma, among others.

Joints such as knees do not have a lot of surrounding soft tissue, which makes it easier to guide the injection into the correct place. Injections in joints such as shoulders and hips are more challenging due to the depth of the joint, which is when an orthopedic physician will make the choice to recommend an ultrasound-guided injection.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Injections

The most obvious benefit of ultrasound-guided injections is the ability to visualize the joint and provide the most precise placement for an injection.

According to the FDA, ultrasound imaging is considered safe when used by trained healthcare providers, as it has a historically excellent safety record. In addition, no radiation is used to conduct an ultrasound-guided injection.

If you are suffering from joint or muscle pain and want to see if orthopedic injections might be the right treatment for you, call OSMS at (920)-430-8113 or schedule an appointment.