EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS
At Minneapolis Vascular, our radiologists also specialize in epidural steroid injections (ESI). An ESI is a non-surgical treatment performed on the neck or back (cervical, thoracic or lumbar levels) to help reduce inflammation and irritation of exiting nerve roots. While the effects of an injection tend to be temporary, providing relief from pain for one week up to one year, an ESI can be beneficial for patients during an episode of severe back pain and provide sufficient pain relief to allow patients to progress with their rehabilitation program.
Joint Injections (Shoulder & Hip) may be used to both identify the source of pain and provide temporary pain relief by injecting steroids into the affected joint.
Pain injections are performed with the use of fluoroscopy for precise placement of the injection. As the procedure begins, a nurse and a highly trained technologist will help you get situated and comfortable, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
Prior to the injection, your skin will be numbed with a local anesthetic. In some cases, sedation may be used for patient anxiety and comfort.
Fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle to the exact position. Once the needle is in position, use of a contrast agent enhances visualization of the area. After confirmation of the needle placement, the steroid solution is injected and the process is complete.
Most pain injections are performed in 15 to 30 minutes. Following the procedure, you may spend some time in the recovery area to be monitored. You should allow approximately one hour at our clinic.
You may experience numbness for up to 12 hours following your injection. The desired effects of the steroidal medication usually occur within 48-72 hours but may take as long as one week. Occasionally, it may take more than one injection to obtain full pain relief. If there is no change in patient symptoms after injections, an investigation into other potential sources of the pain may be beneficial.
VERTEBROPLASTY/KYPHOPLASTY
These are image-guided, minimally invasive procedures used to restore vertebrae in the spine that have been weakened or compressed, typically as a result of osteoporosis.
Vertebroplasty is where, under image guidance, a cement mixture is injected into the damaged vertebrae, restoring it to its original shape and height.
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. It is performed using image guidance to insert a small balloon catheter into the vertebrae, where it is then inflated, elevating the fracture, while compressing the inner bone to create a cavity where a cement mixture is then injected to restore the original shape and height.
Learn more about Kyphoplasty for pain management and Vertebroplasty for pain management.