Name of the Procedure:

Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; axillary nerve

Summary

This procedure involves injecting an anesthetic and/or steroid into the axillary nerve to relieve pain and inflammation. The axillary nerve is located near the shoulder and is responsible for movements and sensations in this area.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Typically used to address conditions causing shoulder pain such as rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis, or nerve impingement.
• Goals: The main objective is to alleviate shoulder pain and reduce inflammation, thereby improving mobility and quality of life.

Indications

• Shoulder pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications or physical therapy.
• Conditions like rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, or nerve impingement.
• Diagnostic purposes to determine the source of shoulder pain.

Preparation

• Typically, no special preparation is required.
• Patients might be advised to avoid certain medications like blood thinners before the procedure.
• A clinical evaluation and possibly imaging tests (X-rays or MRIs) may be done beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned to allow easy access to the shoulder area.
2. The skin over the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic.
3. A local anesthetic may be applied to the skin to minimize discomfort.
4. Using ultrasound or a similar imaging technique for guidance, the doctor inserts a needle into the area around the axillary nerve.
5. Anesthetic and/or steroid medication is injected.
6. The needle is carefully removed, and a bandage is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic or a hospital’s radiology department.

Personnel

• A physician, typically an anesthesiologist or a specialist in pain management.
• A nurse or medical assistant to assist with the procedure.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Temporary pain at the injection site, bruising, or infection.
• Rare risks: Nerve damage, allergic reaction to the injected substances, and temporary increase in pain.

Benefits

• Pain relief which might be felt within a few days.
• Reduced inflammation and improvement in shoulder movement.
• Helps in diagnostic processes to pinpoint pain origins.

Recovery

• Patients can usually go home shortly after the procedure.
• Mild soreness at the injection site may occur.
• Normal activities can often be resumed within a day or two.
• Follow-up appointments might be needed to assess the impact of the injection and plan further treatment.

Alternatives

• Physical therapy: Non-invasive and helps strengthen shoulder muscles.
• Oral medications: NSAIDs or other painkillers.
• Surgery: Considered if less invasive treatments fail.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may have different effectiveness and varying recovery times.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during the injection.
• Pain relief should begin within days, but exact timing varies per individual.
• Post-procedure soreness is common, and medications like acetaminophen can be used to manage this.

Notes

• It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if this procedure is appropriate based on individual patient conditions and overall health status.