X-ray guided vs. ultrasound guided injection

Has anyone had either done in the hand joints? Initially, the doctor suggested ultrasound but called back & said X-ray - but I'd like to know which would provide a more accurate view. Thank you!!

[Barrister]

I haven't had it done in hand joints but had two ultrasound guided injections into the shoulder joint. The first did very little but the second worked amazingly well! The doctor who did it told me that because the area of inflammation was so large, he would be very surprised if I didn't get any relief, but that it could take up to 2 weeks to get the most benefit. But when I woke up the next morning I had no pain in the shoulder at all. It was truly amazing. I had it done in the first week in August and I started to get pain about a month ago. So it was well worth having the US guided injection for me. Clemmie

[Downtime in reply to Barrister]

I've had an ultra sound guided steroid injection in my upper arm tendon . It was amazing. Not immediately but all the pain went in a few weeks.

[Simba1992]

US is more accurate but also requires more skill from the doctor.

[Philip]

I've had the guided injection and sorry to say it hurt like HELL, and unfortunately it didn't work for me.

If it works for you then it's got to be worth a few seconds of pain.

[3LittleBirds2]

I've had it done...I'm not going to lie it hurt as there's no point giving you any pain relief in first as you would to repeat with the steroid injection if that makes sense? It was brilliant though and lasted about a year...just waiting now for another one...good luck 😊 Just wanted to add the guided steroid injection is far more accurate as they can see exactly where to inject...try and push for one if you think you'd benefit!

[Hidden in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

Thx!

[LD1954]

I had injections in my sacroiliac joint and xrays were used. Everything was fine. No problems at all.

[Hidden in reply to LD1954]

Thx!

[mary4444]

zoe i had my hand done in a mri scan then injection in the hand when results came back it was good swelling went down did need op but didnt want to chance it dont know if this is information u wanted hope i have helped xx

[Hidden in reply to mary4444]

Thx!

[Hidden in reply to mary4444]

Thx!

[Onslow315]

Hi,

I've had ultra sound guided injections in my index finger. Excellent results.

[Joy_1]

In the summer of 2015 I had 2 steroid jabs in my right hand. The first one was done by my wonderful Rheumatology Consultant. It was in my wrist and he said since it was a large joint he would be able to do it himself. He made a wonderful job of it.

All I felt was a short sharp scratch as he inserted the needle, followed by a sense of pressure but no pain just pressure. He said he was using a new device. Firstly the needle was super sharp and secondly he inserted some anesthetic first, left the needle in, then put the steroid in without having to remove the needle. I did not watch the procedure so cannot tell you any more than that. Other than him saying that this technique was more expensive than the standard technique because the needle was super sharp.

The second jab was done under ultrasound as the joint that needed doing (thumb/hand area) was a smaller joint and the Rheumatologist said it was too small a joint for him to be able to feel that he was putting it in the right place.

With this jab I felt a lot more pressure as it had to go in at a long angle but once again a minimal amount of pain.

In terms of accuracy between ultra sound and x-ray I do not have a clue. All I know was the 2 methods worked for me significantly and in a very short space of time.

What also helped afterwards was to have a couple of physio sessions.

[Hidden in reply to Joy_1]

Thx!

[LymeRA2013]

Hi. I have had ultrasound guided steriod injections in my hand for trigger fingers. These gave good results. I have also had injection by X-ray as a day patient into the base of the thumb joint which has also worked very well. Ultrasound injections were given by a consultant radiologist the X-ray one by a hand surgeon. Which ever you have I hope they work for you.