Ultrasound versus palpation guidance for intra-articular injections in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the elbow.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy rate of ultrasound (US) -guided intra-articular (IA) injections in patients by posterior approach with osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow.

METHODS

Eighty patients with physical examination and radiographic findings of elbow OA were included. After US-guided IA or palpation-guided IA injection of iohexol contrast by posterior approach into the elbow joint, fluoroscopic images were obtained to ascertain whether the injected material had reached the IA space.

RESULTS

Of the 40 injections performed by US guidance, 40 were confirmed to have been placed in the IA space (an accuracy rate of 100%). Thirty-one of the 40 injections performed by the palpation guidance were IA space (77.5% accuracy rate).

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided IA elbow injections by posterior approach may raise the accuracy rate in elbow joint injections.