There are several different procedures that can either help in the diagnostic phase (arthro-MRI or arthro-CT, biopsy) or help relieve pain by infiltrations (of corticosteroids for example).
They are increasingly replacing surgical procedures. Joint or spinal infiltrations are also therapeutic procedures performed by the specialist.
How do infiltrations and biopsies performed in Geneva work?
It all depends on the purpose of the examination. But the principle remains the same: the radiologist goes through X-ray, ultrasound or CT images, which are transmitted live on a screen. They can then view the area or injury to be reached, then position and guide their instruments.
The region of the body to be treated is accessed percutaneously. The goal is always to take the shortest route and use the least traumatic method. In other words, the radiologist can directly operate on the region examined.
There are two objectives to the procedures: On the one hand, they make it possible to perform a diagnosis guided by medical imaging: either the radiologist takes a fragment from the area of the body to be examined for later analysis (biopsy), or they inject a contrast medium (arthrography).
On the other hand, they have a therapeutic purpose, that is to say that they take part directly in the treatment of a pathology. This is the case, for example, with various infiltrations, which serve to relieve pain. Again, it is the images taken using the chosen method (X-ray, US or CT) that guide the operator.
Other information on infiltrations and biopsy
We intervene to treat pain at our medical imaging practice in Geneva: infiltration of drugs under X-ray, CT or ultrasound guidance, as well as the injection of contrast medium as part of the arthrography process.
The products are supplied on site and invoiced with your examination, with the exception of hyaluronic acid-based products, which must be purchased at a pharmacy before coming to us, as hyaluronic acid infiltrations are also performed at the Medimage centre.
We also perform PRP (platelet-rich plasma) infiltrations. This is the injection of your own serum enriched with platelets (blood test and centrifuge on site): used in orthopaedics as well as in cosmetic surgery, PRP is effective in the scarring response of ligament, tendon and cartilage injuries.
More information on the medical imaging examination: arthrography in Geneva or infiltrations in Geneva.
More information on Medimage imaging equipment.
Learn more about the other examinations available at the Medimage centre: radiography and radiology in Geneva, MRI in Geneva (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT scan, cardiac imaging, mammogram in Geneva, ultrasound in Geneva, elastography, infiltrations in Geneva, PRP infiltrations, dental panoramic or mineralometry.
Take a look at our medical team and our radiologists.