What Is US-guided Golf Elbow Injection?
Golfers’ elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a reasonably common condition described in patients originating in golfers.
This irritates the connective tissue, which attaches the forearm muscles to the inside elbow joint. Golfer’s elbow often resolves by itself with an application of ice, rest, an elbow splint, and oral anti-inflammatories. Acupuncture and physical therapy are also helpful as first-line treatments.
The pain is often described as sharp and shooting and localized to the inner part of the elbow. The pain worsens when carrying objects with the affected hand and with light pressure on the area.
Interventional therapies for golfers’ elbows that become chronic include ultrasound-guided injections utilizing local anesthetic and steroids.
Additional options include the injection of PRP and amniotic fluid. In extreme cases, surgical decompression may be required.
US-guided Golf Elbow Injection Procedure description
After prepping the affected side ultrasound is used to identify the inside condyle bone and surrounding soft tissues. Under ultrasound guidance the injection is carried out and post procedure a Band-Aid is applied and ice packs used for localized pain. An elbow brace can sometimes be used after the injection although it’s not necessary.
A follow-up a couple weeks later determines if the patient is capable of resuming physical therapy.
