Radiology SA provides a wide range of interventional procedures. All our radiologists are proficient in basic procedures, such as musculoskeletal steroid injections. We also have several "Tier B" interventional radiologists, who are able to perform more complex procedures, such as biliary drainage and endovascular procedures.
The radiologists are often assisted in these procedures by our dedicated nursing staff.
The procedures available are wide and varied, and cannot be exhaustively covered. Any special preparation, admitting or recovery instructions will be discussed with you at the time of booking.
As some services require specialised equipment, our staff will assist you in finding the most convenient location.
The radiologist performing the procedure will also discuss the procedure with you on the day, so that you may provide informed consent.
Some of the more common procedures offered include:
Shoulder and hip bursal steroid injections
Performed under ultrasound guidance after cleaning the skin. A fine needle is guided to the shoulder or hip bursa, as appropriate, where a combination of steroid and local anaesthetic is injected. The procedure usually causes only minimal discomfort.
Facet joint steroid injection
Usually performed under local anaesthetic, guided by either CT or X-ray, placing a needle to deliver a dose of steroid to small joints of the spine.
Perineural (foraminal) steroid injection
Usually performed under local anaesthetic, guided by CT, placing a needle adjacent nerves as they leave the spinal column to deliver a dose of steroid and local anaesthetic.
Epidural steroid injection
Performed either with local anaesthetic or under sedation, using CT to guide a needle into the fatty tissues surrounding the spinal cord to deliver a dose of pain relieving steroid and local anaesthetic.
Radiologically guided biopsy
Most commonly performed using guidance either with ultrasound or CT. A needle is introduced under local anaesthetic and sterile conditions, and guided to the region of concern. Samples are collected through the needle for interpretation by a pathologist, who will issue a separate report to your doctor.
Radiologically guided drainage
Most commonly performed using guidance either with ultrasound or CT. A needle is introduced under local anaesthetic and sterile conditions, and guided to the region of concern. Most often a soft wire is passed through the needle, a plastic drainage tube then fed over the wire to position it within the fluid to be removed.
Shoulder distention arthrogram
Radiological guidance is used to position a needle within the shoulder joint space after local anaesthetic. The joint is then stretched up with a combination of local anaesthetic, steroid and saline. Post procedure exercises will be discussed. The aim is to improve mobility of a frozen shoulder.
