Ultrasound Guided Injections Evidence

This article is a stub.

The two most important aspects to consider when comparing ultrasound vs landmark guided injections are accuracy and efficacy.

For accuracy, the research literature shows ultrasound to be superior to landmark guided injections. This has important implications for precision diagnosis with injection of local anaesthetic.

The research on efficacy is less conclusive and more higher quality studies are needed. The current evidence shows that ultrasound guided injections are superior to landmark guided injections for the glenohumeral joint, subacromial space, biceps tendon sheath, joints of the hand and wrist, knee, ankle, and foot.

Reviews

• Daniels et al 2018 (open access)
• Finnoff et al 2015

Summary of Findings of Daniels et al for ultrasound guided injections (USGI) and landmark guided injections (LMGI)

Structure	USGI Accuracy	LMGI Accuracy	Efficacy	Level of Evidence
Glenohumeral joint	92.5%	72.5%	USGI superior	2
Acromioclavicular joint	90-100%	16.7-72%	No difference	2-4
Subacromial space	-	-	USGI superior	2
Biceps tendon	86.7%	26.7%	USGI superior	1-2
Elbow joint	91%	64-100%	-	1
Hand and wrist joints TMC, STT	94-100%	59-81.8%	-	2-4
Hip joint	97-100%	66.7-77.5%	USGI superior	1-4
Knee joint	95.8-100%	55-100%	USGI superior	1-2
Foot and ankle	100%	58-85%	No difference	2-4