Overview of the Fluoroscopic Guided Intraarticular Joint Steroid Injection
The procedure typically takes place in a clinical office environment. For your comfort, you might be positioned either sitting or lying down. This positioning facilitates the physician’s ability to palpate and locate the precise joint space for needle insertion. The chosen insertion site is sterilized and marked with a sterile pen. To cleanse the skin above this site and temporarily numb the area, a specific alcohol spray (ethyl chloride) is applied, which cools and numbs the skin, minimizing the sensation of the needle penetrating the skin as it enters the joint space. Once the needle is accurately placed within the joint, the injection process commences, involving a combination of a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory medication. The corticosteroid is critical for reversing and managing the inflammation associated with arthritis, which leads to joint damage and discomfort. A series of these injection treatments is often required to achieve and maintain long-term relief.
The Procedure’s Preparation, Follow-Up, and Potential Risks
Prior to the Procedure
You might be required to cease the intake of certain medications several days prior to the procedure. It is essential to inform your physician about all the medications you are currently using, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Specifically, medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as Aspirin, Vitamin E, anti-arthritis medications like Advil and Ibuprofen, along with anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, Trental, etc., should be discontinued at least 10 days before the procedure. Your doctor will advise you on if and when you should stop taking these medications.
It’s critical to communicate to your doctor if you suffer from asthma or have experienced an allergic reaction to any local anesthetic in the past, including symptoms like hives, itchiness, or difficulty breathing, especially if it led to hospitalization, for agents such as novocaine or lidocaine. Additionally, inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of a cold, fever, or flu prior to your scheduled procedure.
Post-Procedure Instructions
Applying ice to the injection site for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times on the day of the procedure is advisable, as are gentle exercises to maintain the joint’s range of motion. You’re cleared to go back to your job or usual daily activities right after the injection. While driving is allowed, having someone available to drive you home might ease any anxiety. Keep up with any ongoing physical therapy appointments. It’s common to experience soreness in the area where you were treated for the first 24 to 48 hours. Should you observe any unusual signs of redness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site, it’s important to contact your doctor. Continue with your usual medication regimen. The effects of the corticosteroid injection may take a few days to become evident, with significant pain relief expected to follow shortly thereafter.
Potential Complications
While rare, the procedure does carry certain risks, such as an allergic response to the administered medications; damage to nerves; and bruising or infection at the site of the injection. Should you encounter ongoing pain or numbness around the site of the injection beyond the typical recovery timeframe (generally 3-5 days), it’s imperative to contact your doctor immediately.
