NBC4 in Washington, D.C., featured NRH Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Victor Ibrahim demonstrating use of ultrasound during joint aspirations to relieve arthritis and other joint pain. This new procedure at NRH could become an alternative to surgery. Chris Shiaris, a patient who underwent the procedure, suffered from disabling joint pain in his knee for years. His previous doctor had recommended surgery as the only way to relieve the pain. “It was night and day,” said Shiaris. “I walked in limping and walked out ready to dance.”
Dr. Ibrahim explains the use of the ultrasound guided injections and how this non-invasive procedure can be a quick and simple solution for all those who suffer from arthritis and sore joints. Using an ultrasound gives doctors an idea of what the joint looks like while it is moving compared to an MRI or x-ray. To show the impact this technology can have for patients, Dr. Ibrahim explains, “Fifty to 60 percent of the time we’re in the right spot with most of our joint injections; with ultrasound, it’s 99 percent of the time.”
This procedure seems to be the future for arthritis and sore joint sufferers. Lasting from a few months to forever, it may become the new standard treatment in treating pain in our knees, hips, ankles, feet and our backs.
-- Elisabeth Williamson