A hip joint injection involves injecting a corticosteroid and anaesthetic into the hip joint space to reduce inflammation thereby relieving the symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness. This outpatient procedure can produce pain relief that lasts for weeks or months and can be repeated a certain number of times.
- No special preparation needed.
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If you are of childbearing age the radiographer will do a pregnancy questionnaire to out rule pregnancy.
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You will be asked to change into a gown opening to the front.
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You will be asked to lie on your back for the procedure.
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The radiologist will explain the procedure and possible complications and obtain your consent.
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Using fluoroscopic guidance the radiologist will localise the hip joint and mark the site of injection with skin marker.
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The injection site will be cleaned with aseptic cleaning solution.
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A sterile aperture drape will be placed over the site of injection.
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Local anaesthetic is injected into the selected area.
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A needle is inserted into the joint space and contrast injected and the position checked using fluoroscopy.
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The medication cocktail is injected and the needle is removed.
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A dressing is applied over the site.
- You are advised not to drive after the procedure and rest for the remainder of the day.
- The x-ray images will be reported by the radiologist and the results will be forwarded to your doctor within 5 working days.