Interventional radiology and the musculoskeletal system.

Imaging-guided interventional procedures are becoming increasingly important in clinical rheumatology, since arthrocentesis of peripheral joints and the spine, as well as soft tissue injections, have a high rate of para-articular localisation when performed as blind techniques. Ultrasound-guided needle placement is the method of choice for interventional procedures on peripheral joints and for soft tissue injections. Fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) are not recommended for these indications due to the application of ionising radiation and the high procedural effort. By contrast, CT and magnetic resonance imaging are preferred for a variety of percutaneous procedures on the spine and sacroiliac joints. The increasing use of these methods for interventional purposes should improve both technical and procedural quality, thus ensuring cost-effectiveness and patient safety.