Prior to any procedure, patients complete a medical record to clearly indicate the site and path of their pain. Then they are interviewed and examined by a physiatrist before proceeding with an injection.

During the procedure, patients are settled comfortably. With the help of a radiology technologist, the physiatrist carefully disinfects the skin before proceeding with local anesthesia to ensure greater comfort.

Peripheral joint injections are performed with state-of-the-art radiological equipment (fluoroscope) using X-rays to display the structures of the spinal column or peripheral joints. The equipment allows the physiatrist to position the injection needle with a maximum of precision and safety during procedure.

The physiatrist uses a small quantity of iodine colorant to better pinpoint the location of the needle. Then an anti-inflammatory (cortisone) and anesthetic (Xylocaine) solution is injected at the desired site.

Once the procedure is over, patients are taken to an observation room for about fifteen minutes for our nursing staff to make sure that there are no allergic reactions to the injected medication.

After any injection, pain may increase during the first seven to ten days. Applying ice to the treated area and taking acetaminophen helps to ease discomfort.

For patients with diabetes, glycemia may increase for a period between 48 to 72 hours following procedure. It is important to notify our clinic’s physiatrist prior to the procedure if glycemia is above 10.

Some redness and a warm sensation have been reported to occur on the face and the trunk during the first 48 to 72 hours. This reaction is not the sign of an allergic reaction. It should pass in the days following the procedure.

Complications likely to follow a peripheral joint injection are extremely rare: using our state-of-the-art radiology equipment combined with our physiatrists’ high standards of practice are key to lowering risks of complications.

However, there is always a slight risk of infection during any injection procedure. In addition, cortisone may weaken a patient’s immune system. That is why you should inform us before the procedure if you are taking antibiotics to treat an infection. There is also a slight risk of bleeding complications. If you are taking blood thinning medication (anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents), you must also notify your physician.

To reduce risks of complications, certain precautions are advised :

• During pregnancy, injections performed with radiological equipment (fluoroscope) are contra-indicated.
• Patients must inform our staff of any allergies to medication or contrast agents like iodine.