Ultrasound-guided procedures

Seeing the target changes the procedure.

Real-time ultrasound lets the physician watch the needle, the tissue, and the medication in one image — improving placement accuracy while protecting the structures around the target.

Why guidance matters

Placement you can see beats placement you assume.

In a frequently cited study of shoulder injections, blind technique reached the intended bursa in only 4 of 14 attempts and the glenohumeral joint in 10 of 24. Imaging guidance makes the target visible rather than assumed.

Eustace et al., 1997. Educational reference only.

Procedures performed with ultrasound guidance

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
Joint and bursal injections
Tendon and fascia procedures
Calcific barbotage (shoulder)
Tendon fenestration / tenotomy
Hydrodissection
Aspiration of cysts and effusions
Targeted nerve procedures

What to expect

A procedure visit, step by step.

Every ultrasound-guided procedure follows the same disciplined sequence, whether the target is a joint, a tendon, or a nerve.

Confirm the targetHistory, examination, and prior imaging are correlated with a live ultrasound survey before anything is planned.

Plan the approachThe safest window to the target is mapped in real time, with surrounding vessels, nerves, and tendons identified and avoided.

Guide the procedureThe needle is watched continuously on the ultrasound screen from skin to target, and placement is confirmed before anything is delivered.

Plan the recoveryWritten aftercare, activity limits, and rehabilitation milestones leave with you — because the procedure is only one part of the plan.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is also offered for selected chronic tendon and fascia conditions. Read about shockwave therapy on the homepage.

Next step

Ask whether image guidance fits your case.

Bring your imaging and your questions. The evaluation will determine whether a guided procedure — or a different route entirely — makes sense.

Request a consultation ↗