Ultrasound versus palpation guidance for intra-articular injections in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the elbow

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy rate of ultrasound (US) -guided intra-articular (IA) injections in patients by posterior approach with osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow.

Methods: Eighty patients with physical examination and radiographic findings of elbow OA were included. After US-guided IA or palpation-guided IA injection of iohexol contrast by posterior approach into the elbow joint, fluoroscopic images were obtained to ascertain whether the injected material had reached the IA space.

Results: Of the 40 injections performed by US guidance, 40 were confirmed to have been placed in the IA space (an accuracy rate of 100%). Thirty-one of the 40 injections performed by the palpation guidance were IA space (77.5% accuracy rate).

Conclusions: US-guided IA elbow injections by posterior approach may raise the accuracy rate in elbow joint injections.

Keywords: elbow; injection; joints; musculoskeletal; ultrasound.