Interventional Procedures

We offer a wide range of image guided injections and image guided biopsies, including:

Cortisone injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, Radiofrequency Ablation, Core Biopsies, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies (FNA) and Vacuum Assisted Biopsies.

Preparation

• Interventional procedures require an appointment. To make a booking, please call (02) 9044 3200 or request a booking online.
• You will be advised of any necessary test preparation at the time of your booking.
• Remember to bring your referral, Medicare and Pension/Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned. If you do not have hardcopies, please advise us of the name of your previous imaging provider, so that we may attempt to access them electronically.
• You are not required to bring previous imaging if it has been performed by us, at St Vincent’s Clinic Medical Imaging & Nuclear Medicine.

Your Results

When you first register with us, you will be invited to access SVCMI Patient, our patient app that enables our patients to securely access their images and reports.

See here for more information.

At the completion of your examination, you do not need to wait for images. You will receive the images into your SVCMI Patient app, approximately one hour after your scan is completed, and the report 4-6 days later. Your referring doctor will receive your results as soon as the report is finalised by our radiologist.

We recommend that you always return to your referring physician to discuss your results.

To download the app, go to your app store and select SVCMI Patient.
For the desktop version click here.

What to Expect

You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewellery, as some objects may obstruct the area of interest.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory which can be injected into various joints of the body and spine, to reduce pain. Cortisone injections are performed by radiologists to provide symptom relief, but is not a cure for the underlying cause of pain. This is an effective treatment with the extent of pain reduction varying from person to person.

Our radiologists perform the following pain block injections:

Spinal Injections

• Facet joint injections – injection into joints of the spine.
• Peri neural injections (foraminal block) – injections along nerve roots of the spine.
• Epidural injections – anti inflammatory injection into the space around the spinal cord.

For all spinal injections radiologists use low dose CT to guide the needle placement.

Non spinal joint injections

• Anti–inflammatory injections can be performed in many joints including joints in the hands, feet, ankles, knees, hips and shoulders.

For joint injections radiologists may utilise ultrasound, CT or fluoroscopy to guide needle placement.

Preparation

• If you take anticoagulants/blood thinners you may need to stop this medication before the test. Please discuss this with your referring doctor and advise our booking staff.
• If you have any drug allergies, or if there is any chance you are pregnant, please inform a member of staff before your test.
• You are required to have someone to escort you home. You will not be permitted to drive immediately after your appointment.

The Procedure

The procedure should take around 10-15 minutes to perform, and is done under aseptic conditions (your skin is sterilised, and sterile equipment is used). You may experience some discomfort for a short period of time during the procedure. Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area, the imaging helps to guide the needle into position and cortisone is then injected.

Post Procedure

The post-procedural care will vary depending on the region of the body and the type of injection performed. In some cases you will need to remain in the medical imaging department for a short period of time, after your appointment.

In the case of spinal injections, temporary weakness or altered sensation of the leg may be experienced. This is due to the effects of the local anaesthetic and should only last up to 2 hours. For this reason, patients should not drive for 2 hours post spinal injections.

Following all cortisone injections, it is advised not to do any vigorous activity for approximately 7 days, although normal day-to-day activities are acceptable. Symptom relief is usually not immediate, and can take several days to weeks.

Information about possible side-effects and post-procedural care will be provided to you during the consent process and after your procedure.