Ultrasound in pain management

Abstract

Ultrasound is possibly underutilized in interventional pain management. It has distinct advantages over more common methods such as fluoroscopy and CT, as it allows the identification of nerves, soft tissues and vessels without exposing patients and personnel to radiation. Imaging can be performed continuously in real-time, allowing for monitoring of procedures and possibly reducing the risks of complications. Ultrasound guided nerve blocks and ablative procedures including radiofrequency ablations, targeting structures such as ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerves, peripheral nerve blocks of the extremities such as medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, Baxter's nerve or the medial calcaneal nerve, and painful stump neuromas. caudal epidural injections and injections of tender points. Ultrasound guided procedures, like diagnostic ultrasound, is operator dependent and requires appropriate training and experience.