What is a Cortisone Injection into Joints or Soft Tissues?

A Cortisone Injection into Joints or Soft Tissues is the injection of a steroid into and around soft tissue, a bursa (sac of fluid near a joint) or joints (eg. facet, costovertebral, etc.) to alleviate symptoms of pain and inflammation.  This procedure can reduce or eliminate pain associated with:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Sporting injuries
• Tendinitis

and other inflammatory conditions.

Cortisone is injected using image guidance, mostly through the use of ultrasound, however some procedures are done using CT guidance. Some examinations also require X-­?ray dye (iodine) to be injected into the area, and this is referred to as an Arthrogram.

What happens during a Cortisone Injection into Joints or Soft Tissues?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – the day of your scan

There is no specific preparation and you may eat and drink as normal before the procedure. If you take Warfarin, Aspirin, Plavix, or other blood thinning agents, please notify the booking staff as you may be required to cease the medication, or have blood tests prior to the procedure.

B. During your Cortisone Injection

Procedure

The procedure takes about 20 minutes and will be performed in the ultrasound or CT room. The skin around the injection site will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and a local anaesthetic will then be injected with a thin needle, which may sting briefly. The Specialist will then inject the soft tissue/bursa/joint with the aid of ultrasound or CT to ensure the needle is perfectly positioned. You may feel some localised pressure or discomfort during the injection.

Risks and Side Effects

Complications are uncommon during these procedures, however, you need to be informed of the possible side effects and associated risks.

• Pain, bruising, temporary numbness, tingling or discomfort at the injection site
• Palpitations, hot flushes, insomnia, and mild mood disturbance as a reaction to cortisone. This usually resolves within 24 hours and no treatment is necessary
• Infection is very rare but may involve redness or swelling and increasing pain after 48 hours. Increasing pain should be promptly reported to us and your referring doctor
• Localised skin and subcutaneous fat atrophy (thinning resulting in dimpling)
• Hypopigmentation (whitening of the skin) at the injection site. This most commonly happens in injections of the palm of the hand or sole of the foot.
• Mild increase in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
• Potential weakening and damage to the collagen fibres of tendons. For this reason, cortisone is only injected around the tissue surrounding a tendon
• Any medical procedure potentially can be associated with unpredictable risks.

Do not hesitate to contact our office on 6382 3888 if you have any questions or concerns.

Who will perform my Cortisone Injection?

Our specialist medical imaging team will perform your Cortisone Injection.

What happens after a Cortisone Injection into Joints or Soft Tissues?

Post-procedural information

At the end of the procedure the needle will be withdrawn carefully from the insertion point and a band aid applied. You should be able to go about your daily activities after your appointment.

Pain relief may take a few days to develop so you may need to continue with your normal medication for at least 48 hours. Occasionally this may be severe, however usually lasts only 24–48 hours and is treated with a cold pack, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication. You can return to normal activities although we ask that you avoid strenuous physical activity.