Anna Anatolyevna Kiktenko

When medications do not provide sufficient relief and pain interferes with everyday life, an ultrasound-guided therapeutic injection (block) may be one treatment option.

A therapeutic block involves injecting medication into a specific anatomical area to reduce pain and inflammation. The procedure may be used for certain conditions affecting the spine, joints, and periarticular tissues, as well as some nerve-related pain syndromes.

Why Use Ultrasound Guidance?

During the procedure, the physician uses ultrasound imaging to visualize anatomical structures and monitor the position of the needle. Compared with an injection performed without imaging guidance, this allows more precise placement of the medication in the intended area.

Ultrasound guidance helps the physician account for each patient’s individual anatomy and monitor the spread of the medication. However, the suitability and capabilities of the technique depend on the specific treatment area, and the procedure does not guarantee complete pain relief.

Ultrasound or X-Ray Guidance?

X-ray guidance is widely used for certain interventional procedures, particularly when the needle position must be monitored in relation to bony structures or when specialized spinal procedures are performed.

Ultrasound guidance can also be used for a range of therapeutic blocks. It does not involve ionizing radiation and often does not require the more complex arrangements associated with performing a procedure in an operating room.

Another advantage is accessibility. In appropriate clinical situations, an ultrasound-guided block may be more affordable and easier to arrange. The choice of guidance technique depends not only on cost but, above all, on the diagnosis and the precision and safety required for the procedure.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

1.    Medical consultation. The physician discusses the nature of the pain, performs a physical examination, and reviews the results of previous investigations.

2.    Assessment of indications. The physician determines whether a block may be beneficial in the individual case and whether ultrasound guidance is appropriate.

3.    Performing the block. Using ultrasound guidance, the physician identifies the target area and monitors needle placement and medication delivery.

Depending on the planned procedure, MRI, CT, or X-ray images may be needed for treatment planning.

Who May Benefit from an Ultrasound-Guided Block?

The procedure may be considered for certain types of pain affecting the back, neck, joints, and surrounding soft tissues when medically indicated.

A block does not address every cause of pain and is not a substitute for comprehensive treatment. When appropriate, it may be combined with medication, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation.

Not sure whether a block is right for you? Book a consultation. The physician will assess the cause of your pain, review your existing test results, and determine whether an ultrasound-guided block is an appropriate treatment option for your individual situation.

Author: Ivan Berezutskyi, Neurologist, Vestibular Specialist, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Physician, Reflexotherapist.

Reviewer: Viktoriia Zyma, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Physician.

Hip joints play a leading role in human locomotion. It is on them that the motor abilities of the lower limbs, smoothness of gait, and freedom of movement when walking depend.

Ears, nose, larynx, pharynx, larynx, pharynx, paranasal sinuses - all these belong to the group of ENT organs, the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of diseases of which is engaged in otolaryngologist. Regular visits to a specialist will allow you to avoid and prevent the development of very unpleasant diseases and complications. Helios Family Health and Rehabilitation Center provides an opportunity to make an appointment and visit an otolaryngologist at a convenient time and date. Both adults and children can come for an appointment.

When is it necessary to consult an ENT?

Not only painful sensations in the ears, throat, nose can be a motivation to visit an ENT office. There are many reasons for this. For example:

• Prolonged runny nose, occasional nasal congestion;
• Hearing loss;
• Loss of sense of smell;
• Fever in the throat, inflammatory process;
• Noise sensations in the ears;
• Ear stuffiness, wax plugs;
• hoarseness of voice;
• Difficult and painful swallowing;
• Frequent nosebleeds;
• Unmotivated dizziness, headaches.

Coming to the otolaryngologist it is important to tell all your complaints, as well as about previous diseases. A detailed anamnesis together with instrumental examination will help the doctor quickly, with high accuracy to determine the disease, make a diagnosis, prescribe adequate therapy.

What diseases does an otolaryngologist treat?

A number of different diseases of the respiratory and hearing organs are within the competence of the ENT doctor. Sinusitis, maxillary sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, angina, pharyngomycosis, ozen, abscess, boils, malignant and benign tumors, deviation of the nasal septum, injuries to the nose, throat, ears, tonsillitis, tracheitis, infections of the ENT organs, problems with hearing, voice box, and so on. All this is diagnosed and treated by a specialist otolaryngologist.

In case of untimely referral to a doctor, left untreated symptoms, "neglected" diseases of the above can cause serious complications affecting other internal organs and body systems. Do not wait for an increase in the intensity of symptoms. It is better to go to the doctor immediately, when even minor signs of the disease appear.

Examination and diagnostic methods

ENT examination is prescribed by a specialist after visual examination, collection of anamnesis, palpation of lymph nodes and assessment of the condition of mucous membranes.

Diagnostic methods used in the Helios Medical Center are as follows:

• Video endoscopy;
• Audiometry;
• Functional diagnostics.

Therapy is prescribed depending on the results of the diagnostic examination. It can be photodynamic treatment, as well as with the help of drugs, lavage, purging, pressotherapy, puncture, removal of sulphur plugs, foreign bodies, irrigation with aerosols, other technologies.

The Helios medical center offers an individual approach to each patient. All laboratory and diagnostic tests are carried out in one place, which allows us to save time, make a diagnosis as quickly and accurately as possible, start treatment at early stages of the disease, and get the desired effect.