The echo-guided joint injection allows a greater precision and control of the exact location in which we intend to infiltrate the drug. It also makes a previous evaluation of the articular pathology, with the exclusion of potential associated complications, and also allowing comparison with the contralateral side.

 

Ultrasound documents the positioning of the needle in real time, drastically reducing the possibility of injury to surrounding structures, such as tendons and ligaments, as well as the risk of vascular lesions, such as bruising or possible pseudo arterial aneurysm formations.

 

If the steroid is not injected correctly into the joint or tendinous sheath, there is a possibility of tendon rupture and cytoske- toato-necrosis of adipose tissues.

 

This technique also allows aspiration of intra-articular contents, lumen of bursae, or tendinous sheaths, with delivery of the material for analysis, namely microbiology.

 

The technique to be performed depends on the experience of the physician, the joint in question and the underlying or associated pathology. Here, too, there are benefits of ultrasound associated with puncture, since it allows adaptation to the specific joint and its particularities, namely joint deformities present in some chronic patients.