Injections are one of the most common medical procedures for delivering medications or other therapeutic substances into the body. However, traditional blind injections, where the needle is inserted without imaging guidance, can be imprecise and result in missed targets or unintended tissue damage.
Ultrasound-guided injections have revolutionized how injections are performed, offering many advantages over blind injections. The physicians at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians use the SonoSite M-Turbo system. This advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound technology allows them to see muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, tissue layers and nerves. Thus, our patients’ injection therapy success rate rises significantly, and the procedure is much safer.
What is Ultrasound-Guided Injection?
An ultrasound-guided injection is a medical technique that uses ultrasound imaging to guide the insertion of a needle into the body. The procedure involves using an ultrasound machine that emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the body’s internal structures and create an image on a monitor. This allows the physician to visualize the target area and precisely guide the needle.
Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Increased Accuracy: Traditional blind injections rely on the physician’s palpation skills to locate the target area. But the ultrasound lets the doctor see the body’s internal structures in real-time and guide the needle to the target’s exact location. This reduces the chance of missing the mark and makes the injection more accurate overall.
Minimized Risk of Tissue Damage: Ultrasound guidance allows physicians to avoid sensitive structures such as blood vessels, nerves and organs. With the real-time imaging provided by the ultrasound machine, the physician can guide the needle with precision, avoiding accidental punctures or damage to surrounding tissue.
Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Ultrasound-guided injections can also reduce the pain and discomfort associated with traditional blind injections. The physician can use the ultrasound machine to find the most accessible place to insert the needle and guide it with great accuracy, making it less likely the needle will hit a nerve or other sensitive structure.
Versatility: Ultrasound guidance can improve various medical procedures, including joint injections and nerve blocks.
Faster Recovery: The increased accuracy and reduced tissue damage associated with ultrasound-guided injections can lead to faster recovery times. In addition, patients may experience less discomfort after the procedure and can resume their daily activities more quickly.
Learn More About Injection Therapy with Ultrasound Guidance
Contact Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians to learn how ultrasound-guided injections can improve the outcome of your treatment. We are proud to provide patients with the best results possible using the latest techniques and technology.
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