Who would benefit from this procedure?

Any individuals that experience pain that is secondary to chronic degenerative changes or wear in tear involving the shoulder, hip or knee joints.

How does this procedure work?

A mixture of local anesthetic with steroid is injected into the affected joint or bursa that will function to reduce inflammation within that area and result in pain relief.

How is this procedure done?

Patient may either be asked to lie on his/her back (for knee, and hip injection) and abdomen or back (shoulder injection).  The skin is first cleaned in proper surgical sterile fashion; a needle is directed into the joint of interest either with x-ray or ultrasound guidance.  Than a medication mixture (local anesthetic with or without steroid) is then injected.

What are the potential risks?

Although this is a very safe procedure, it is not without risk.  Whenever a needle is used there is always the risk of infection and bleeding.

What should I expect after the procedure?

It is normal to experience temporary soreness at the need placement sites. If effective pain relief is experienced within the first 30 minutes of the procedure.  The pain relief typically last several hours when local anesthetic is used alone or several days if steroids are added.  At times repeat injections can result in added and longer duration of pain relief.