Corticosteroid Injection for Rhizarthrosis

trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is the second most common site of Rhizarthrosis in the hand affecting 10–30% of adults over the age of 50. Up to four times as many women as men have rhizarthrosis. Clinical symptoms include functional disability of the thumb, pain, joint swelling, and reduced strength. The first carpometacarpal joint is pivotal in the opposition of the thumb and allows a high degree in flexibility to humans.

Initial treatment of  Rhizarthrosis consists of intra-articular injection of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid. Potential side effects of corticosteroids  shots include damage to nearby bone tissue,thinning of skin and soft tissue around the injection site.

Several studies have shown that ultrasound (US)-guided injections demonstrate greater precision and effectiveness when compared to blind techniques

The Mini Linear Handheld WiFi Ultrasound Scanner 10-12-14 MHz, SIFULTRAS-3.5 and the Color Doppler Mini Linear WiFi Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.51  are highly recommended for this purpose. Both of these devices come with a needle guide holder. Hence, it can be directly set to the guide pin frame. Coupled with the software that can quickly locate the depth and diameter of the puncture’s navigation. It allows the practitioner to visualize the needle in real time as it enters the body and traverses to the desired location. 

This operation is done by primary care physicians, well trained and experienced in the administration of local injection therapy.

Reference:
Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of the trapeziometacarpal joint: description of technique
Ultrasound-guided procedure for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

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