Imaging is used to plan a safe route, confirm the target and document where the needle and treatment have been delivered.
What is an image-guided injection?
An image-guided injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which a specialist radiologist uses live or near-live imaging to direct a needle to a specific anatomical target. Ultrasound, CT or, in some settings, fluoroscopy may be used depending on the structure being treated.
The target may be a joint, bursa, tendon sheath, nerve, facet joint, nerve-root sleeve, epidural space, sacroiliac joint or another carefully selected structure. The injected material may include local anaesthetic, corticosteroid, contrast, saline or another prescribed treatment. MBR Health specialises in regenerative treatments such as PRP which are further covered in a separate patient-guide category.
Why not inject by touch alone?
Some superficial structures can sometimes be approached using anatomical landmarks. However, the body varies from person to person, pathology can distort normal anatomy and the structure causing pain may lie close to nerves, blood vessels, lung, bowel or bone. Imaging provides information that cannot be obtained by touch alone.
- It identifies the intended target and surrounding anatomy.
- It allows the radiologist to plan a needle path around structures that should be avoided.
- It shows the needle tip in relation to the target during the procedure.
- CT contrast can demonstrate where medication spreads when this is clinically required.
- Saved procedural images create a record of delivery – always check your provider is keeping a record of final needle placement digitally for your record.
Accurate delivery is important – but it is not the whole treatment
An injection can be technically accurate and still provide limited benefit if the selected structure is not the main pain generator, the disease is too advanced, the medication is not suitable for the pathology or rehabilitation does not address the underlying mechanical problem. Imaging guidance improves procedural confidence; it does not create a guarantee of symptom relief.
How MBR Health approaches precision image-guided procedures
MBR Health aims to match the procedure to the diagnosis rather than selecting a modality for convenience. Relevant MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound findings are reviewed with the referral. MRI or CT may be preferred for deep spinal or bone-obscured targets, while ultrasound may be preferred for structures that can be seen dynamically in real time without ionising radiation.
| The key principle: the best guidance method is the one that shows the target, the surrounding risk structures and the needle pathway clearly enough to perform the procedure safely and accurately. |
Related Patient Guides
- PG7002 CT-Guided Spine Injections: What Patients Should Know
- PG7003 Ultrasound-Guided Joint, Tendon and Bursa Injections
- PG7004 What to Expect During an Image-Guided Procedure
- PG7005 Preparing for an Image-Guided Injection: Medicines, Blood Thinners and Infection
- PG7006 CT Guidance or Ultrasound Guidance: Why the Modality Matters
- PG7007 Post-Injection Care: The First 24–72 Hours
- PG7008 Pain, Numbness and Weakness After an Injection: What Is Normal?
- PG7009 Risks and Limitations of Image-Guided Procedures
- PG7010 When to Contact MBR Health or Seek Urgent Medical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Does image guidance make an injection painless?
No. Local anaesthetic is commonly used, but you may still feel a brief sting, pressure or reproduction of familiar symptoms. Tell the radiologist immediately if you experience severe or unexpected pain.
Does image guidance guarantee the injection will work?
No. It improves confidence that the treatment reached the intended target. Outcome still depends on whether that target is the true source of symptoms and whether the chosen treatment is appropriate.
Why might I need updated imaging first?
Spinal and musculoskeletal pathology can change. Recent imaging helps confirm the target, exclude an important alternative cause and plan a safer route.
| Important: General information only. Your procedure, medication instructions, transport requirements and aftercare may differ. Final publication requires MBR Health clinical, operational and editorial approval. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-7001 [Patient information: Imaging is used to plan a safe route, confirm the target and document where the needle and treatment have been delivered.]
Advanced Interventional Radiology for Pain Relief on the Gold Coast
Interventional radiology allows treatment to be delivered directly to a carefully selected anatomical target. At MBR Health, injections are performed within an advanced radiology clinic, meaning the diagnosis, imaging review, procedural planning and treatment pathway are closely connected. This is especially important for spinal pain, joint pain, tendon pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions where accurate targeting can change the treatment approach.
