Table 1.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Convenient and cost-effective for patient

Less painful than fluoroscopy-guided methods

Can avoid need for CT guidance or travel to imaging center

Allows for immediate post-injection reassessment and real-time information

Can visualize effusion and aspirate if needed

No radiation exposure

More accurate than landmark injections

Disadvantages

User dependent

Limited by body habitus

Upfront cost of ultrasound equipment and supplies

Requires time of provider in clinic to perform procedure

CT, computed tomography.