Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Guidance

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Ultrasound-guided injection

Ultrasonography is well established as a reliable and reproducible imaging method that is used to identify the anatomy of the muscle.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive, accurate imaging modality that can be used to diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

US provides accurate real time anatomical information in both cross-sectional and longitudinal views.  Visualization of the needle electrode is usually available. However, if visualization is poor, tissue distortion, which may be visible on the ultrasound image, can be used.

Ultrasound machines consist of several components:

• Ultrasound transducer
• Computer processor
• Display monitor

Transducers are available in high and low frequencies:

• The high frequency transducers (used for more superficial structures at a high resolution)
• The low frequency transducers (used to assess deeper structures)

Transducer formats are available in various formats, including:

• Linear probes have a flat array and appearance. They have a higher frequency (7-15MHz) and are used to scan small parts and shallow structures near the surface.  This is most suited for injection guidance procedures. Linear probes produce a more square or rectangular image. Used primarily for superficial imaging/ needle guidance.

• Convex probes (also called curved linear probes) have a curved array that allows for a wider field of view at a lower frequency (2-5 MHz). Convex probes are primarily used for abdominal scans due to their wider depth and deeper penetration.  Facilitates examination of deeper regions, such as the hip.

The advantages of Ultrasound include:

• Non-invasive
• No radiation exposure
• Portable formats available
• Relatively inexpensive
• Safe in patients with pacemaker and metal implants
• No claustrophobia
• Higher resolution images of superficial soft tissue anatomy than MRI
• No known contraindications
• Real time assessment
• Dynamic examination
• Can interact with the patient while imaging
• Rapid contralateral limb examination for comparison
• Repeatability to monitor disease progression
• Guided treatment procedures (injections, aspiration, biopsy)

US-guided injection requires the ability to recognize both the longitudinal, as well as, cross-sectional anatomy.  The needle shaft, and/or needle tip, can usually be visualized before the injectate is injected into the target muscle.  Tissue distortion can be used to home into the needle location.

There are many advantages of the US-guided injection with BoNT-A. This technique allows real-time visualization of the needle into structures including the target muscles and adjunct tissues.

This method not only permits the clinician to more precisely identify the target muscles but also permits the avoidance of needle penetration in some other bodily structures, such as the blood vessels and nerves.

Other potential benefits of this technique are that US-guided technique procedure is relatively more efficient with respect to the time needed to conduct this technique.

The clinician is able to visualize the volume of the injected BoNT-A solution in real time, thereby facilitating relocation of the needle tip to different areas within the same muscle to minimize the spread of BoNT-A into adjacent tissues.   

Negatives include the need for additional help carrying out the injection procedures.   This is certainly a more prevalent issue for clinicians who are new to US-guided injections and cannot manage both the injection and the US device themselves.

It is also very advisable that clinicians seek appropriate training to elevate their education level, and familiarity with both the US device techniques, and US anatomy.  Training is a necessity before administering any US technique.

Ultrasound guidance for interventional procedures can provide a higher level of accuracy, improved treatment success and patient safety, as compared to “landmark techniques” since the clinician can see exactly where the needle is being placed. It is also important to recognize the synergy that comes from using combined guidance techniques.

A variety of educational opportunities are offered to provide flexibility and options to best meet the educational needs of the medical professional.  The up and coming AAPM&R meeting in Baltimore, has programs running from Oct. 10^th-21^st.  There are many lectures and hands-on training opportunities, including the STEP program.

See you at the Skills Lab: Ultrasound Guided Chemodenervation Procedures for the Upper and Lower Limbs, on Thursday, October 20, 2022, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EST)

Please keep your eyes on these blog posts, as we will have some very interesting ultrasound oriented announcements to make in the future!

References

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