Dry Needling or Barbotage

 

 

 

 

 

This technique uses ultrasound to guide the needle into an area of tendon abnormality (e.g. Achilles tendonitis) to disrupt abnormal tiny vessels and nerves around the chronically inflamed Achilles tendon, or into calcium deposition e.g. in rotator cuff calcific tendonitis. The needling causes targeted microtrauma and releases growth factors to stimulate the healing process as well as promote repair of the tendon. We use local anaesthetic to numb the region so this is usually well tolerated.

The treatment reduces inflammation and pain to allow you to accelerate your recovery with physiotherapy. Other conditions we can successfully treat with dry needling include plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) and patellar tendinosis (jumper's knee). In Barbotage, the MSK Radiologist will try to aspirate the calcium if possible, then targeted needling of the calcific deposits will be performed as above.

 

 

 

 

Other procedures and diagnostics

Here at MSK, we perform a range of procedures with the help of imaging techniques, enhancing the efficiency, quality, and patient outcomes for a wide range of clients.

 

 

Image guided Spinal intervention
We offer a host of Image guided spinal interventions including Nerve root blocks, epidural injections, and facet injections.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PRP is used to treat a range of conditions, including arthritis, tendinosis, muscle tears, and for plantar fasciopathy.
Achilles Tendon Stripping
This is a minimally invasive, effective, and technically straightforward treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.
Dry Needling or Barbotage
This is the most frequent and successful treatment for patients with calcific tendonitis.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
This substance mimics the joints’ natural lubricant, and has been shown to be highly effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Cryoablation for Morton’s Neuroma
This is a highly effective treatment, especially if performed with an Ultrasound.
Steroid injections
When performing a steroid injection, we use real-time imaging to visualise the affected area and guide the needle to the precise location, minimising risk.
Arthrograms
This involves using an arthroscope to visualise and diagnose joint problems by viewing the joint’s interior, and this can also be used to perform various treatments.

 

 

 

 

Improve your patient outcomes

Arrange our musculoskeletal radiology specialist services by contacting our participating hospitals here.

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