Interventional Procedures

At Sydney Xray Bondi Junction, the staff specialise in a number of interventional procedures – these include biopsies, joint injections and nerve injections.

Biopsy - A biopsy or aspiration is used when more information is required about the significance of a lump or group of lumps within an area identified by a previous radiological examination. A needle is inserted into the area to obtain tissue samples for Pathology testing. Some local anaesthetic will be injected in the skin before the needle is inserted. Following insertion, the needle will be guided into position using Ultrasound, CT or x-rays to ensure the needle is in the correct position to obtain the tissue sample. This may be repeated two or three times to ensure adequate sample is obtained for pathology testing.

Joint Injection - A variety of conditions relating to joints and tendons are treated by injection of medication into the tissue responsible for the symptoms. Some of these conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, tendonitis, bursitis and occasionally osteoarthritis. Precise placement of the injected drug can be obtained when the fine needle is inserted with ultrasound, CT or xray guidance.

Facet Joint Injection - A Facet Injection is an injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into and around the facet joint. These are small paired joints at the back of the spinal column that join the vertebral bodies together.

Nerve Root Injection - An injection placed into the sheath surrounding a nerve root in the spine. The exam uses therapeutic steroid and local anesthetic to decrease pain and inflammation. Pain relief from the procedure varies from minimal to long-term, depending on the specific symptoms.  Nerve root injections are usually undertaken when a nerve is thought to be inflamed by a disc pressing on it or by scarring after back surgery. Arthritis can also cause this inflammation.