Using ultrasound or CT to watch the needle in real time, our Radiologist can place medication exactly where it is needed — into a joint, bursa or tendon sheath — or take a small tissue sample from a superficial lump for testing.
Image guidance makes these procedures more accurate, safer and usually more comfortable than unguided injections.
What to expect
- The Radiologist explains the procedure and answers your questions before you consent.
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
- The needle is guided to the exact spot using live imaging; most procedures take only minutes.
- You rest briefly afterwards, and we give you simple after-care instructions to take home.
Types we offer
- Cortisone injections — shoulder, hip, knee and other joints; bursae and tendon sheaths.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) — sampling of superficial lumps such as thyroid nodules or lymph nodes.
- Core biopsy — a slightly larger sample from superficial soft-tissue lumps, when the laboratory needs more tissue.
How to prepare
| Examination | Typical preparation |
|---|---|
| All procedures | Tell us in advance about blood-thinning medication, allergies and diabetes — cortisone can raise blood sugar for a few days. |
| Most injections | No fasting needed. Consider having someone available to drive you home if the area will be numb. |
These are general guidelines — please follow the specific instructions we give you when you book or arrive.
What to bring
- Your referral and your Medicare, concession or DVA card.
- A list of your medications, especially blood thinners.
- Previous imaging of the area, if you have it.
Your results
For injections, relief patterns are reported to your doctor. Biopsy samples go to a pathology laboratory; those results return to your referring doctor, usually within a few days.
Common questions
Does it hurt?
You will feel the sting of the local anaesthetic, then mostly pressure. Some people notice a flare of soreness for a day or two after cortisone before the benefit appears.
How long does a cortisone injection take to work, and how long does it last?
Benefit typically begins within a few days and can last weeks to months — it varies with the condition and the joint. Your doctor will plan what comes next.
Do I need to stop blood thinners?
Not always — it depends on the medication and the procedure. Tell us when booking and we will advise you with your doctor. Never stop blood thinners without medical advice.
What should I avoid afterwards?
Take it easy on the treated area for 24–48 hours. We will give you specific after-care instructions before you leave.