Joint and Soft Tissue Injection

ABSTRACT

Injection techniques are helpful for diagnosis and therapy in a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Diagnostic indications include the aspiration of fluid for analysis and the assessment of pain relief and increased range of motion as a diagnostic tool. Therapeutic indications include the delivery of local anaesthetics for pain relief and the delivery of corticosteroids for suppression of inflammation. Side effects are few; but may include tendon rupture; infection; steroid flare; hypopigmentation; and soft tissue atrophy. Injection technique requires knowledge of anatomy of the targeted area and a thorough understanding of the agents used. In this overview; the indications; contraindications; potential side effects; timing; proper technique; necessary materials; pharmaceuticals used and their actions; and post-procedure care of patients are presented