M P Koivikko1, S K Koskinen. 1. Helsinki Medical Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Töölö Trauma Center, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00029 Helsinki, Finland. mika.koivikko@hus.fi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance arthrography is a well-established diagnostic method in degenerative and traumatic disorders of the shoulder. Some radiologists prefer to apply a local anesthetic to the skin prior to performing the joint puncture. However, no information regarding the efficacy of local anesthetics exists. PURPOSE: To assess patient discomfort in arthrography injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A patient survey (n = 74) utilizing a visual analog scale (VAS) measured the intensity of pain in arthrography injection by those receiving local anesthetics (n = 36) versus those who did not (n = 38). RESULTS: Mean VAS scores were 20.8 (median 10.5, SD 24.3) for those receiving local anesthetics versus 19.3 (median 13.0, SD 20.7) for those who did not (P = 0.83, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Routine use of local anesthesia of the skin in arthrography injection is unnecessary.
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance arthrography is a well-established diagnostic method in degenerative and traumatic disorders of the shoulder. Some radiologists prefer to apply a local anesthetic to the skin prior to performing the joint puncture. However, no information regarding the efficacy of local anesthetics exists. PURPOSE: To assess patient discomfort in arthrography injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A patient survey (n = 74) utilizing a visual analog scale (VAS) measured the intensity of pain in arthrography injection by those receiving local anesthetics (n = 36) versus those who did not (n = 38). RESULTS: Mean VAS scores were 20.8 (median 10.5, SD 24.3) for those receiving local anesthetics versus 19.3 (median 13.0, SD 20.7) for those who did not (P = 0.83, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Routine use of local anesthesia of the skin in arthrography injection is unnecessary.