Joint Injection

Procedure

You will lie on the CT or x-ray table, usually on your back, or you will be seated. The skin will be cleaned with antiseptic, where the needle will be given. A fine needle is inserted into the joint that your doctor has asked us to inject using an aseptic technique (strict infection control practices to reduce the chance of infection). We use an x-ray (screening) or CT machine to guide the placement of the needle safely and accurately into the correct position. A small amount of x-ray contrast may be injected into the joint to confirm that the needle is in the correct location.

A long-lasting anaesthetic (e.g. Ropivacaine) and a long-acting steroid (e.g. Celestone) are most commonly injected together.

Before your Scan

You may eat and drink as normal before and after the procedure. If you are on any regular medication or have diabetes and are on insulin, take your usual medicines and diet.

Before the joint injection, you may be asked to change into an examination gown for your comfort, and to ensure clothing does not affect the images. You may also be asked to remove jewellery, eye-glasses and any metal objects that might interfere with the imaging.

Please tell us if you are on medication to thin your blood (e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin or Clopidogrel), have an iodine allergy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Risks / Side effects

Joint injections are generally safe.

Potential risks include infection within the soft tissues or joints.

Side effects of the procedure may include:

• Increase in symptoms (such as joint pain) for up to 48 hours, which will then settle.
• Increased blood sugar levels in diabetics.
• Local bruising.
• Insomnia, flushing and palpitations.

If x-ray contrast is administered, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction. A mild allergic reaction occurs in 1/1000 injections and includes a rash, hives or sneezing. More severe reactions such as difficulty breathing are less common. Severe life-threatening reactions are extremely rare (1 in 170,000).

Other Information

It is important that you have someone to drive you home after the procedure.

You may experience some benefit from the local anaesthetic immediately following the injection, which will usually wear off after 2-3 hours. It can take several days for the steroid to begin to work and may take up to 2 weeks for it to have maximum effect.

The effect of the steroid can last for a week, several months or years. Sometimes there is no pain relief from the injection.

Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after the injection. Further rest of the area may be beneficial. Follow the advice of your referring doctor or physiotherapist.

If required, a simple analgesic such as paracetamol (Panadol) or anti-inflammatory should be sufficient. An ice-pack may also provide some relief.

It is important to note that although uncommon, infection is a potential and serious side effect. If you notice any fever or redness, swelling, or increased pain at the injection site after the first two days, notify your referring doctor or immediately call the clinic where the injection was performed.