Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of many superficial joints, tendons, bursae, cysts and surrounding soft tissues without ionising radiation.
What is an ultrasound-guided injection?
During an ultrasound-guided procedure, the radiologist places a transducer on the skin and watches the needle move towards the target in real time. This is commonly used for selected joints, bursae, tendon sheaths, peritendinous tissues, cysts and superficial soft-tissue structures.
What ultrasound adds
- Real-time visualisation of the needle and target.
- Dynamic assessment while a joint, tendon or muscle moves.
- Doppler assessment of nearby blood flow when relevant.
- No ionising radiation.
- The ability to aspirate fluid before treatment when clinically appropriate.
Why ultrasound is not suitable for every target
Ultrasound cannot see through bone and image quality can be reduced by depth, body habitus, gas, calcification or overlying anatomy. A structure may be visible on MRI but difficult to access safely with ultrasound. CT may therefore be selected for a deep joint, spine target or anatomy obscured by bone.
What happens during the procedure?
The skin is exposed, cleaned and covered where required. Sterile gel and a covered transducer may be used. Local anaesthetic can numb the skin. The radiologist advances the needle while viewing the tip on the ultrasound screen, then aspirates fluid or delivers the prescribed medication.
Common treatment types
Depending on the indication, ultrasound may guide local anaesthetic, corticosteroid, hydrodilatation fluid, aspiration or a regenerative treatment. A corticosteroid injection is intended to reduce inflammation; it is not a regenerative treatment and should not be injected indiscriminately into tendon substance.
After the injection
Mild soreness or a temporary flare can occur after the local anaesthetic wears off. The treated area may need relative rest before graded movement or rehabilitation. The appropriate plan differs between a joint, bursa, tendon sheath, aspiration and hydrodilatation.
Related Patient Guides
- PG7001 Specialist Image-Guided Injections: Why Imaging Guidance Matters
- PG7002 CT-Guided Spine Injections: What Patients Should Know
- 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
Can ultrasound confirm that the injection is inside the joint?
Often yes, when the joint recess and needle tip are visible. In some deep or complex joints, CT or X-ray contrast guidance may provide more reliable confirmation. You provider should take a record of final needle placement for your personal records to confirm final position.
Can the radiologist diagnose the problem during the injection appointment?
A preliminary ultrasound may identify relevant abnormalities, but the procedure should still be based on the referral, clinical history and appropriate diagnostic imaging. Not every pain source is visible on ultrasound.
Can fluid be removed at the same time?
Sometimes. Fluid may be aspirated for symptom relief or laboratory analysis, but this depends on the appearance, indication and risk of infection or bleeding.
| Important: General information only. Your procedure, medication instructions, transport requirements and aftercare may differ. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-7003 [Patient information: Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of many superficial joints, tendons, bursae, cysts and surrounding soft tissues without ionising radiation.]
Best Injection for Pain Relief? The Right Target Comes First
The best injection for pain relief depends on the cause of the pain. A spinal disc, inflamed nerve, facet joint, sacroiliac joint, tendon, ligament or arthritic joint may all require different treatment strategies. At MBR Health, injections are diagnosis-first. We use imaging to identify the most likely pain generator, then select the most appropriate image-guided treatment, which may include local anaesthetic, corticosteroid, PRP or another regenerative option.
