OVERVIEW
This non-operative, outpatient procedure is designed to provide relief for patients with arthritis of the knee. The technique allows the physician to inject an inflammation-reducing steroid with maximum accuracy.
PREPARATION
The physician swabs the knee, injects a numbing medication and positions a special X-ray device called a fluoroscope.
INJECTING THE DYE
To make sure the medicine injection gets to the space inside the joint, the physician first uses an injection of dye. The dye shows up on the fluoroscope image. If the dye pools in the soft tissue at the front of the knee, the physician adjusts the needle placement.
FINDING THE TARGET AREA
When the dye reaches the target area - the space inside the joint - the physician is ready to inject the medication.
INJECTING THE MEDICATION
The rear of the syringe is removed from the needle and a syringe filled with a local anesthetic and steroid is attached. The physician injects the medication into the joint.
END OF PROCEDURE
The local anesthetic and steroid solution in the knee joint will reduce inflammation and pain. The injection can be repeated if necessary.
