Radiology
What is the test for?
This is an x-ray guided procedure to numb the joint that is causing your symptoms, using local anaesthetic or sometimes a prepared steroid.
What does the test involve?
When you arrive in the x-ray department you will be collected from the main reception and asked to change into a gown. Once you are ready the Consultant Radiologist or Advanced Practice Radiographer will explain what the procedure involves and answer any questions you may have.
If you are happy to proceed you will lie on the x-ray table with the x-ray machine above you. The area around the joint will then be exposed, cleaned and covered with a sterile drape. A local anaesthetic will then be injected into the skin to numb the area, this injection will cause a stinging sensation but this will wear off quickly.
The x-ray machine will take images to guide the injection into the capsule surrounding the joint and x-ray dye is injected to check the position, then the anaesthetic and/or steroid is injected.
Medication
Please continue with your medication as normal. If you have any queries regarding your medication, please call us on 01642 282639 (Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm).
Risks
There is a very small risk of introducing infection during the procedure. The risk is 1 in 1000.
Is there any preparation?
YES. It is suggested that you do not drive for the remainder of the day. So you will require someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
For steroid injection patients:
Steroids are thought to affect our body’s ability to fight infections. The risk of steroid injection in terms of contracting the coronavirus and the body’s ability to fight the virus is unclear. There is thought to be a theoretical small risk of increasing the risk of getting the infection and perhaps having worse symptoms in the short-term following a steroid injection.
Following June 2020 national guidance from various medical societies, we are offering steroid injections in a safe manner, while ensuring that risks for transmission during your hospital visit are kept as low as possible.
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients who have ovaries and are between the ages of 12 and 55, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period. Please contact the x ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond the ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639
How long does it take?
The procedure takes about 20 minutes. If you attend early there is no guarantee that you will be seen before your appointment time.
When will I get the result?
You will receive an appointment to see your consultant around 6 to 8 weeks after your injection.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 6 to 12 months of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 10,000 – Very Low.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639 (Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]