What Is an Ultrasound-Guided Injection?
An injection is a medical procedure that involves injecting medication directly into the area to be treated. An ultrasound guided injection is the most precise method for this type of injection service. This technique allows physicians to use ultrasound to visualize anatomical structures in real time and guide the needle to the exact area of concern. This helps optimize the effects of the treatment to relieve pain while supporting safety.
A corticosteroid injection is commonly used to treat several musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis or bursitis.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a non-invasive radiological examination used to image different anatomical structures in the human body. It is a preferred exam to support a clinical diagnosis when you have joint pain in the following areas:
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hand
- Hip
- Knee joint
- Ankle
- Foot
Ultrasound guidance is particularly useful for procedures such as hip injections and injections involving peripheral joints and soft tissues.
There are several types of injections, such as fluoroscopy-guided injections, which are mainly used to treat pain affecting the spine or during arthrography.
At Médicym, we prioritize ultrasound-guided injections, a technique particularly well suited to peripheral joints and soft tissues. It allows precise guidance without exposure to X-rays.
Why Choose a Cortisone Injection in a Private Clinic?
Choosing our private clinic for a cortisone injection, wether you decide to go to our Blainville clinic or our Boisbriand clinic, it offers several advantages compared with the public system. This treatment is designed to target a specific area of your body and can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with various musculoskeletal conditions.
Benefits of a private clinic:
- Speed: online appointment booking without a prolonged wait time
- Comfort: calm environment and a short procedure performed under ultrasound guidance with minimal discomfort
- Personalized follow-up: clinical assessment before the injection and post-treatment recommendations adapted to each case, helping support recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence of pain when appropriate for your condition.
Specific Benefits of Cortisone Injections
A cortisone injection involves administering a corticosteroid into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. When performed as an ultrasound guided cortisone injection, the physician can accurately target the treatment area. This treatment is particularly indicated for osteoarthritis, arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Relief can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the area treated.
During the procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the targeted structure under ultrasound guidance. This approach can be used for larger joints such as the hip joint, as well as even the small joints of the hands and feet when clinically appropriate. In many cases, patients with conditions affecting the hands or feet might benefit from this level of precision.
We offer several types of injections, including viscosupplementation injections with hyaluronic acid to help restore mobility in arthritic joints. Products available on site, such as Cingal, Synvisc, Monovisc, Sportvis and Durolane, allow treatment to be adapted to each joint condition.
PRP injection, platelet-rich plasma, is also an innovative regenerative treatment available at Médicym. This procedure involves drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets rich in natural growth factors and reinjecting them into the affected area, such as a tendon, joint or muscle.
PRP stimulates the body’s natural tissue healing process, may contribute to improved function and symptom relief in appropriately selected patients with tendinitis, early osteoarthritis or chronic musculoskeletal injuries. This safe and personalized treatment may help some patients delay or reduce the need for more invasive procedures, while supporting long-lasting recovery without relying on long-term medication.
The appropriateness of repeated injections is assessed on an individual basis by the physician, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to previous treatments.
Cost and Care in a Private Clinic
Unlike in the public system, where joint injections are generally performed by a radiologist, our physicians specialized in musculoskeletal care offer this service directly in a private clinic.
Although these services are not covered by the RAMQ, they allow for quick access, personalized care and close follow-up, helping reduce the need for prolonged anti-inflammatory or pain medication. During your consultation, your physician will review the available treatment options and recommend the approach best suited to your condition.
When appropriate, a local anesthetic is used to improve comfort during the procedure.
Injected medications are reimbursed by most group insurance plans, and a detailed receipt is provided to help facilitate your reimbursement claim with your insurer. To learn more or book an appointment, contact our clinic team.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound-Guided Injection at Médicym
Our medical clinic follows a meticulous approach to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of every injection procedure.
Consultation and Diagnostic Assessment
The session begins with a clinical assessment and a musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. Ultrasound imaging allows the physician to visualize anatomical structures in real time and accurately identify the area requiring treatment, including the source of inflammation in a specific area. This evaluation also helps determine the optimal injection site to ensure precise and effective treatment.
Procedure Performed Under Ultrasound Guidance
Under ultrasound guidance, the physician inserts a fine needle into the targeted area. These image guided injections allow real-time visualization of the needle entering the treatment area, improving the accuracy of the injection. Once properly positioned, the medication, often used in steroid injections, is administered with precision.
When appropriate, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area and improve comfort during the procedure. The treatment is quick, minimally invasive and typically takes only a few minutes.
Follow-Up and Post-Injection Recommendations
Mild discomfort may occur in the days following the injection. The physician will recommend an adapted rest plan and explain the precautions to follow. Pain relief from these injections usually occurs within the following week. When medication is injected into the joint, or into another targeted area, a specific interval is always respected between injections to optimize the effects of the treatment.
Examinations Offered
Examinations can be performed on all parts of the body except the spine. Please note that, in some cases, patients may experience increased pain within 24 to 48 hours after an injection. Expected results generally occur within the week following the procedure, which includes:
A physical examination and ultrasound performed to identify the health concern requiring treatment;
A treatment plan discussed between you and the physician;
Local anesthesia administered before the injection when needed;
An anti-inflammatory substance administered through the injection;
A procedure that takes only a few minutes with minimal discomfort.
Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Injection Consultation
Do not let chronic joint or tendon pain affect your quality of life.
At Médicym Blainville and Boisbriand, our physicians provide rapid access to musculoskeletal assessment, diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections.
Book your appointment online today.