Radiology is a rapidly expanding field where interventional physicians employ advanced imaging techniques to diagnose trauma, arthritis, sports injuries, bone tumors, and rheumatologic conditions. Musculoskeletal radiologists capture and interpret detailed images of issues involving bones, tendons, muscles, nerves, joints, and other tissue to recommend suitable therapies. The images can also give additional details about a patient's condition and the exact source of their pain. Besides imaging, radiologists can also recommend other minimally invasive procedures.
A pain management procedure uses image-guided precision to inject medication through a small, precisely placed needle. In addition, radiology treatments can replace the need to use opioids and other pain medications that are often associated with uncomfortable side effects. In addition, compared to open surgery, those who undergo interventional pain management radiology procedures experience quicker recovery times. Most procedures only require a small needle puncture.
During the procedures, the radiologists use image-guided injections to deliver medication to the source of the pain directly. Most injections are performed in the joints, back, or spine. Besides offering immediate pain relief, these interventional procedures also help the patient resume normal physical activity. They are particularly effective for those experiencing spinal, back, neck, and joint pain, as well as soft tissue inflammation. Depending on the specific area to be treated, the radiologists may use ultrasound or fluoroscopic (low-dose x-ray) guidance to inject a small needle that delivers medications directly.
Fluoroscopy is used to give the radiologist a clear view of the affected area on a video monitor. The view is critical for the exact placement of the fine needle. Once the needle is in place, the radiologist injects contrast material to confirm that the needle is correctly positioned. The patient may briefly feel a slight discomfort or pressure as the contrast material is injected. Depending on the specific type of procedure, the guided injection may contain an anesthetic for immediate pain relief or a steroid preparation for longer symptom relief, or a combination of both.
Depending on the affected area, the radiologist will position the patient on an x-ray table, usually on their back or stomach. The area to be injected is cleansed using an antiseptic solution. As with any injection, they may experience some sensation, discomfort, or pain, but that can be reduced by applying a local anesthetic.
After the procedure, the patient should refrain from alcohol consumption, driving, or rigorous activity, at least for the rest of the day. At the needle site, soreness may be felt for a day or two, which can be reduced by using an ice pack. Because it involves a needle, there may be some bleeding or infection at the injection site. Other side effects such as neural injury, temporary numbness, headaches, weakness or facial flushing can happen but are rare.
Two relatively new minimally invasive procedures are worth mentioning. Vertebroplasty is a procedure that stabilizes vertebrae weakened or damaged by fractures or osteoporosis. Under this procedure, the interventional radiologist injects special bone cement into cracked or broken vertebrae to improve mobility. The glue-like cement stabilizes the affected bone to provide immediate pain relief.
Those experiencing debilitating pain due to spinal trauma or osteoporosis may benefit from another minimally-invasive procedure known as kyphoplasty. In kyphoplasty, the radiologist uses a type of cement to reinforce fractured vertebrae, providing immediate pain relief. It also prevents future fractures and improves the height of the collapsed vertebrae.
A pain management procedure uses image-guided precision to inject medication through a small, precisely placed needle. In addition, radiology treatments can replace the need to use opioids and other pain medications that are often associated with uncomfortable side effects. In addition, compared to open surgery, those who undergo interventional pain management radiology procedures experience quicker recovery times. Most procedures only require a small needle puncture.
During the procedures, the radiologists use image-guided injections to deliver medication to the source of the pain directly. Most injections are performed in the joints, back, or spine. Besides offering immediate pain relief, these interventional procedures also help the patient resume normal physical activity. They are particularly effective for those experiencing spinal, back, neck, and joint pain, as well as soft tissue inflammation. Depending on the specific area to be treated, the radiologists may use ultrasound or fluoroscopic (low-dose x-ray) guidance to inject a small needle that delivers medications directly.
Fluoroscopy is used to give the radiologist a clear view of the affected area on a video monitor. The view is critical for the exact placement of the fine needle. Once the needle is in place, the radiologist injects contrast material to confirm that the needle is correctly positioned. The patient may briefly feel a slight discomfort or pressure as the contrast material is injected. Depending on the specific type of procedure, the guided injection may contain an anesthetic for immediate pain relief or a steroid preparation for longer symptom relief, or a combination of both.
Depending on the affected area, the radiologist will position the patient on an x-ray table, usually on their back or stomach. The area to be injected is cleansed using an antiseptic solution. As with any injection, they may experience some sensation, discomfort, or pain, but that can be reduced by applying a local anesthetic.
After the procedure, the patient should refrain from alcohol consumption, driving, or rigorous activity, at least for the rest of the day. At the needle site, soreness may be felt for a day or two, which can be reduced by using an ice pack. Because it involves a needle, there may be some bleeding or infection at the injection site. Other side effects such as neural injury, temporary numbness, headaches, weakness or facial flushing can happen but are rare.
Two relatively new minimally invasive procedures are worth mentioning. Vertebroplasty is a procedure that stabilizes vertebrae weakened or damaged by fractures or osteoporosis. Under this procedure, the interventional radiologist injects special bone cement into cracked or broken vertebrae to improve mobility. The glue-like cement stabilizes the affected bone to provide immediate pain relief.
Those experiencing debilitating pain due to spinal trauma or osteoporosis may benefit from another minimally-invasive procedure known as kyphoplasty. In kyphoplasty, the radiologist uses a type of cement to reinforce fractured vertebrae, providing immediate pain relief. It also prevents future fractures and improves the height of the collapsed vertebrae.
