Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Boston

Why would I benefit from an ultrasound-guided injection?

An injection administered under ultrasound guidance offers a very specific way to administer the treatment or medication into a specific area. This level of accuracy can be important especially in cases where there are more painful or dangerous areas close by to the injection site. Ultrasound allows a real-time view of the area so the medicine can be given exactly where it will be most effective. This also means a higher likelihood your injection will have a more effective outcome. Dr. McLaughlin gives ultrasound-guided injections in joints such as the shoulder and hip, and around tendons and bursae.

Ultrasound-guided injections can be used to treat a range of conditions including arthritis and osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, joint and muscle pain, muscle spasm and chronic neck and back pain (trigger point injections), and tendinopathy. Dr. McLaughlin also uses diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate rotator cuff tears, which can often avoid the need for an MRI.

What happens during an ultrasound-guided injection?

Ultrasound-guided injections are performed much in the same way as traditional injections. The ultrasound probe is placed directly on your skin to view the joint into which the injection is planned. A monitor is used to pinpoint the site of the injection, and it is given with the needle used in a traditional injection. These injections are done in the clinical offices during a normal patient visit — you do not need to be under anesthesia. When the medication is injected more accurately, it has a better chance of providing decreased pain and inflammation.

Ultrasound-guided injection questions

What are ultrasound-guided injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections use real-time ultrasound imaging to guide the injection needle to a more exact location under direct visualization. Ultrasound pictures are created using sound waves at a high frequency and do not use harmful ionizing radiation. Dr. McLaughlin has over 15 years of experience providing ultrasound-guided injections in his office.

How are ultrasound-guided injections different from regular injections?

Ultrasound allows a real-time view of the area so the medicine can be given exactly where it will be most effective. This level of accuracy can be important especially in cases where there are more painful or dangerous areas close by to the injection site. When the medication is injected more accurately, it has a better chance of providing decreased pain and inflammation.

What conditions can be treated with ultrasound-guided injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections can be used to treat a range of conditions including arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, joint and muscle pain, muscle spasm and chronic neck and back pain (trigger point injections), and tendinopathy. Dr. McLaughlin also uses diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate rotator cuff tears, which can often avoid the need for an MRI.

What is the alternative to an ultrasound-guided injection?

A traditional, landmark-guided injection is placed using surface landmarks and feel. Ultrasound lets Dr. McLaughlin see the needle in real time, which helps place the medicine exactly where it is needed.

Who performs the ultrasound-guided injection?

Dr. McLaughlin performs every injection himself. He is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine.

How do I book an ultrasound-guided injection appointment?

Call 978-969-3624 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Same-day or next-day appointments are available at offices in Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly.

Can hip injections be ultrasound-guided?

Yes. Dr. McLaughlin gives ultrasound-guided injections in the hip.