Infiltrations
Types of infiltration
We offer three types of infiltration: cortisone, viscosupplement and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). To help you plan, keep in mind that the appointment can last from 20 to 30 minutes, even if the procedure itself takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
What does a cortisone infiltration involve?
Infiltrations of cortisone (a powerful anti-inflammatory) are used to treat a number of musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Shoulder pain (tendonitis, bursitis, impingement syndrome, osteoarthritis)
- Knee pain (osteoarthritis, torn meniscus, arthritis, pes anserinus tendinitis)
- Elbow pain (epicondylitis)
- Hip pain (osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger)
- Osteoarthritis of the thumb
- Arnold’s neuralgia
Pain relief may last several months or be permanent. The infiltration can be repeated if symptoms return.
What does a viscosupplement infiltration involve? (e.g. Synvisc-One®, Durolane, etc.)
This procedure involves injecting a viscous solution into a joint to relieve pain and improve range of motion. Infiltration of a viscosupplement helps relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Pain relief can last from six to 12 months and the infiltration can be repeated if symptoms return. In general, viscosupplement infiltration is very well tolerated. In rare cases, during the first 48 hours after treatment, there may be a slight inflammation of the joint, which you can relieve with ice.
What does a platelet-rich plasma infiltration involve?
The injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into a joint space or tendon is an increasingly common treatment method that has been proven to relieve pain. It has several indications and involves very few risks. The use of a medical imaging device (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) allows the injection site to be precisely targeted while avoiding contact with nerves and blood vessels as much as possible.
A radiologist takes a blood sample from the patient, then places it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red and white blood cells. The procedure is then performed in aseptic conditions by the radiologist, aided by a technologist or assistant. The PRP is injected into the area to be treated under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
PRP injection promotes rapid tissue repair and pain reduction. It has been shown to be effective for several conditions such as tendonitis, sprains and tears. It may take a few weeks for the benefits to be felt, but rarely more than a month.
PRP injection therapy is an additional tool available to help treat musculoskeletal injuries. As with other types of injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid, etc.), the results vary from person to person, therefore the success of the procedure cannot be guaranteed. Certain clinical and radiological criteria will allow the radiologist to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for PRP, but therapeutic failure is still possible as there are no signs that can predict the success of the procedure with certainty.
PRP injection can be performed in several places:
- Ankle and foot
- Spine: cervical, dorsal or lumbar
- Elbow
- Shoulder
- Knee
- Hip and pelvis
- Leg
- Wrist and hand
Methods used
We offer two methods of infiltration:
Your doctor will indicate the infiltration method in your prescription. Depending on the area being treated, the radiologist may modify this method for better results.
A medical prescription is required to perform this infiltrations.
The costs of this examination are covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
In the Medvue network of private clinics, the examination is at the patient’s expense and can be reimbursed by private insurance companies.
If your health care professional has requested this test or you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 1 833 590-2715.