Musculoskeletal Injections FAQs
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- Please arrive early for your appointment, as you will need to complete a questionnaire before the procedure.
- It is recommended to wear separate top and bottom clothing to make accessing the treatment area easier.
- You will not be able to drive for 24 hours following your procedure. We recommend arranging for someone to drive you home or taking a taxi.
- On the day of your appointment, please bring any prior scans, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or CTs, and reports performed outside of Queensland X-Ray. If you have had your previous scan with us, we will have your images stored. These images will assist the radiologist in confirming that an MSK injection is appropriate for your condition.
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Your radiographer will explain exactly what will happen during your procedure. It may vary slightly from what we describe below, so don’t worry if this is the case, you’ll always be in very good hands.
MSK injections are performed using either CT, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy. The injection is administered by one of our specialist radiologists.
On entering the CT or ultrasound room, you will be introduced to the radiologist who will be administering the injection and the assistant - most commonly a nurse or radiographer. At Queensland X-Ray your MSK injection will always be performed by a doctor.
You will be asked to lie or sit depending on the joint or area being treated.
The area of concern will be located using imaging. Once the area is located, the skin is cleaned with antiseptic. A local anaesthetic will be administered to help numb the area and minimise any pain. Discomfort is usually minimal.
Our radiologist will insert a needle, guided by imaging, to ensure correct positioning.Medication, most commonly a long-lasting anaesthetic with a steroid, will be injected into and around the joint and/or area causing your discomfort. This steroid reduces inflammation and swelling. Depending on your referral, other injections, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or Synvisc/Durolane, may also be used.
The injection takes a few minutes, during which time you may feel some minor pressure or discomfort. We will do our very best to keep this to a minimum and keep you comfortable.
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A MSK Injection typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
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The pain relief gained from this procedure can take a few weeks to become noticeable and typically lasts between 3-6 months.
You will be unable to drive for 24 hours following your procedure, so you must arrange for transportation home.
Discomfort in the area may persist for a few days as part of the healing process. You should avoid strenuous activities or anything beyond daily living tasks for one week.
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Like all medical procedures, MSK injections carry some risks.
There is a very small chance of infection, which is minimised by performing the procedure under sterile conditions.
You may experience some inflammation and pain at the injection site, which is expected and part of the healing process. In rare cases, excessive inflammation can cause a flare-up of pain, but this can be managed with guidance from your referring practitioner.
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MSK injections are performed by our skilled team of radiologists using advanced imaging technology to ensure precise injection of medication.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.