Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Image Guided Cortisone Injection?
Cortisone is the name used to describe a group of drugs commonly known as corticosteroids. Cortisone is used to treat pain in various parts of the body where inflammation is felt to be the cause of this pain.
 
Cortisone Injections are procedures that deliver cortisone and local anaesthetic into an area of inflammation, most commonly in the spine, joint, and bursa. They are performed by our highly specialised radiologists under the guidance of our Low-Dose CT Scanner or Ultrasound Machine.
No specific preparation is required, and you may eat and drink before and after the procedure. If you are on any regular medication or have diabetes and are on insulin, take your usual medicines and diet. Please tell us if you are on any blood thinners (e.g. Eliquis, Warfarin or Clopidogrel), or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform staff of any allergies to medications.
 
Procedures generally take between 10 and 15 minutes and then patients are monitored onsite afterwards. It is also highly recommended that you have a driver with you for all interventional spinal procedures.
The radiographer or sonographer will take you in and explain the procedure and ask you some screening questions. You will always have the chance to direct any questions to the radiologist performing the procedure. The radiologist will also review the referral, patient symptoms and previous imaging before conducting the procedure.
 
You may be changed into a gown; it is recommended that you wear loose clothing that is accessible to the area of injection. You will be placed on the CT Scanner or Ultrasound bed where the technician will perform planning images for radiologist. A fine needle will be inserted using aseptic technique. The CT or US guided needle will be directed to the area specified by your doctor for injection. A combination of cortisone and anaesthetic are injected together and, in some instances, iodine-based dye to confirm location of needle may be used.

A little bit of bruising and swelling may occur at the injection site. Temporary increase in pain can be common but should subside after a few days. Cortisone can cause insomnia, facial flushing and redness in some patients and for diabetics a rise in Blood Sugar Levels can occur.

Image guided cortisone injections are generally very safe. Potential risks include infection of the injection site and bleeding. The injections are performed with a sterile technique and site should be monitored for large swelling or bruising. It is important patients inform staff if they are immunocompromised or have a history of myocarditis.
You might notice some immediate relief from the local anaesthetic right after the injection, but this typically lasts for 2-3 hours. The steroid may take several days to start working, with its full effect potentially taking up to 2-3 weeks. The duration of the steroid’s effect can vary, lasting anywhere from a week to several months or even years. In some cases, the injection may not provide any pain relief.
 
It’s important to avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours following the injection. Additional rest in the affected area may also be beneficial. Be sure to follow the guidance of your referrer.
Please call our practice 02 4713 1600 to make a booking. Bring your request form and any previous imaging of the area and if you are Medicare eligible, please bring your Medicare card.
 
All interventional procedures are bulk billed for all Medicare eligible patients.