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Interventional Radiology

An epidural injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the spine. Guided by imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy or CT, the injection delivers medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. It is commonly used to treat conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

What to Expect

An epidural injection is a procedure where medication (steroid or anaesthetic) is injected into the epidural space of the spine. This space is located just outside the spinal cord.

Explore Procedures

Interventional Radiology Procedures

An epidural injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the spine. Guided by imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy or CT, the injection delivers medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. It is commonly used to treat conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

What is an Epidural Injection?

An epidural injection is a procedure where medication (steroid or anaesthetic) is injected into the epidural space of the spine. This space is located just outside the spinal cord.

Why is an Epidural Injection Done?

A common cause of sciatic pain is inflammation in response to nerve irritation caused by nerve entrapment or spinal disc protrusion. An injection of anti-inflammatory medication (steroids) into the epidural space can reduce this inflammation and decrease pain.

How is the Procedure Performed?

  1. Fasting: you will need to fast for 2 hours prior to this procedure.
  2. Medications: Please let us know if you take blood thinning medication (warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, aspirin or clopidogrel). You may need to have a blood test before the procedure and have your medication adjusted by your Doctor.
  3. Preparation: You will be asked to change into a gown. You will be positioned on your stomach on the CT examination table. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  4. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be injected to numb the area
  5. Injection: A small needle is inserted into the epidural space of the spine under CT guidance. The medication is carefully injected into the epidural space. It is important that you keep as still as possible during the procedure.
  6. Dressing: The needle is removed, and a dressing will be applied.

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • You may experience some soreness or bruising at the needle site and rarely, some muscle spasm. You may also experience some temporary numbness at the injection site and down your leg. A temporary increase in back pain may be felt.
  • You will be kept for observation for up to 30 minutes. If you are then feeling comfortable
  • you may leave. You will require someone to drive you home after the procedure. Please consider this when making your appointment.
  • Please do not do lifting or physical activity that may aggravate your condition for at least 12-hours after the procedure.

Effects from the treatment

The local anaesthetic may give temporary relief from pain for up to four hours. Paracetamol may be taken if you experience discomfort. The steroid can take up to a week to reach its maximum effect. Relief from symptoms does vary between patients, both in time and scale. Some people do not receive pain relief from the procedure if inflammation is not the main cause for their pain. Please keep in mind this is generally not a failure of the procedure. This information is useful for your doctor as it indicates other causes of pain that may need to be considered.

What Are the Risks?

  • You will receive a small dose of X-ray radiation. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.
  • Bleeding, though rare, can occur into the epidural space, causing pressure. This may require an operation to treat.
  • Infection into the epidural space, which is rare, can also occur.
  • If the fluid sac around the nerves is punctured, this can lead to a fluid leak that results in a headache. This usually settles over a few days with bed rest and analgesia. Only rarely does this require further treatment.
  • Spinal cord injury with transient or permanent paralysis is very rare.
  • Allergy is considered to be rare.

An ultrasound guided joint injection is a non-surgical treatment used to relieve pain and allow improved mobility in the joint. It may involve injection of a corticosteroid in conjunction with a local anaesthetic to relieve pain and inflammation. In patients with joint injury or osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint to restore lubrication and function. Guided by imaging techniques for precision, this treatment helps reduce pain and improve function.

Patient Information Sheet:

Before your appointment

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the joint being treated. 
  • Inform our clinic if you are on blood thinners, have a joint infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any allergies to medications. 

During the procedure

  • You will be positioned so the joint is easy to access
  • the area will be cleaned and sterilized
  • a cool gel will be applied to the skin, and an ultrasound probe will be used to visualise a path to the joint
  • a thin needle will be inserted into the joint 
  • the medication will be slowly injected
  • a bandage will be placed over the site
  • the procedure usually takes 15 to 30 mins

After the procedure

  • You may feel relief right away (from the anaesthetic) or within a few days (from the steroid) 
  • If you had an hyaluronic acid injection, you may expect to feel improvement 1 to 4 weeks after the injection. This improvement may last 3 to 6 months. 
  • You may have mild swelling or soreness – apply an ice pack for 15 – 20 minutes if needed. 
  • Limit heavy activity involving the joint for 24 -48 hours. 
  • Avoid soaking the injection site in water (e.g. pools or baths) for 24 hours. 

When to phone your doctor

 Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Worsening pain or swelling after 48 hours
  • redness, warmth or pus at the injection site. 
  • fever or chills
  • numbness or tingling

Potential Risks (uncommon)

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Allergic reaction
  • Joint damage (with repeated steroid use)

A CT-guided facet joint injection is a procedure in which anti-inflammatory medication is injected into one or more facet joints in the spine. The injection is performed using CT (computed tomography) imaging to accurately guide the needle to the exact location. Facet joints are small joints between each vertebra in the spine. They help with movement and stability but can become painful due to arthritis, injury, or inflammation. Injecting steroid and local anaesthetic into a facet joint may confirm whether the facet joints are the source of your pain and in turn relieve that pain.

Patient Information Sheet:

Before your procedure

Please inform our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Take blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (plavix), apixaban (eliquis), dabigatran (pradaxa), rivaroxaban (xarelto), enoxaparin (clexane) etc.
  • Have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or medications
  • Have a history of bleeding disorders or infection

During your procedure

  • You will lay on a CT table (usually face down or on your side).
  • The skin over your spine is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A numbing injection will be given at the skin surface.
  • Using CT imaging, the radiologist guides a thin needle into the targeted facet joint.
  • Medication is injected into the joint space.
  • The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes 

After your procedure

  • You may feel numbness or relief in the area for a few hours.
  • Full pain relief may take a few days as the steroid reduces inflammation.
  • Mild soreness at the injection site is common.

Aftercare instructions

  • Use ice packs for soreness (15–20 minutes every few hours)
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry
  • Book a follow up appointment with your doctor

When to call your doctor

Contact your provider right away if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection
  • Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking or controlling your bladder/bowels

Possible Risks

  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Nerve irritation or injury
  • Allergic reaction
  • Temporary increase in pain

A lumbar nerve root injection is a procedure used to treat nerve pain in the lower body which originates in the back. Using CT guidance, a corticosteroid and anaesthetic are injected around the affected nerve root. This reduces inflammation around the nerve root, thereby relieving neuropathic (nerve) pain radiating to the buttock or leg. This minimally invasive treatment can determine if a specific nerve is causing your pain and if so, can provide effective, long-lasting relief.

Patient Information Sheet:

Before your procedure

  • Arrange somebody to pick you up after your procedure

Please inform our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Take blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (plavix), apixaban (eliquis), dabigatran (pradaxa), rivaroxaban (xarelto), enoxaparin (clexane) etc.
  • Have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or medications
  • Have a history of bleeding disorders or infection

During your procedure

  • You will lay on a CT table (usually face down or on your side).
  • The skin over your spine is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A numbing injection will be given at the skin surface.
  • Using CT imaging, the radiologist guides a thin needle near the affected nerve root.
  • A small amount of contrast dye may be injected to confirm needle placement.
  • Medication is slowly injected.
  • The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes 

After your procedure

  • You may feel numbness or weakness in the leg temporarily immediately after the procedure, this is normal. You will need somebody to drive you home. 
  • Mild soreness at the injection site is common.
  • The local anesthetic may provide immediate relief, which wears off after a few hours.
  • The steroid may take 2 to 7 days to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Relief may last weeks to months depending on your condition

Aftercare instructions

  • Use ice packs for soreness (15–20 minutes every few hours)
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry
  • Keep track of your pain relief in the days following the injection
  • Book a follow up appointment with your doctor

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection
  • Numbness or weakness lasting more than a few hours
  • Difficulty walking or controlling your bladder/bowels (call immediately or present to emergency)

Possible Risks

  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Nerve irritation or injury
  • Allergic reaction
  • Temporary increase in pain
  • temporary numbness or weakness

Shoulder hydrodilatation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) by injecting a sterile fluid mixture into the shoulder joint. This helps to stretch the joint capsule, improving range of motion and reducing pain. Guided by imaging techniques for precision, the procedure provides effective relief for patients with limited shoulder mobility.

Patient Information Sheet:

Before your procedure

 Tell our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have diabetes, kidney problems, or take blood thinners
  • Have allergies to medications, especially steroids or anesthetics
  • Have had recent infections or fever

Preparation

  • Wear a loose top or sleeveless  top for easy shoulder access
  • You may eat and drink as normal
  • You can usually drive yourself home afterward, but ask your provider if you’re unsure

During your procedure

  • The skin over your shoulder is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A small needle is guided into your shoulder joint using ultrasound for accuracy.
  • A mixture of:
    • Saline (to stretch the joint capsule),
    • Corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation), and
    • Local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) is slowly injected into the joint.
  • The fluid gently stretches the tight capsule, helping to break up scar tissue and improve mobility.
  • The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes.

After the procedure

  • You may feel immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic.
  • Your shoulder may feel heavy or sore for a few hours.
  • Resume physical therapy or shoulder exercises within 24–48 hours — this is essential for the best outcome.
  • Full benefits are typically seen in a few days to a few weeks.

What are the benefits?

  • Improved shoulder movement
  • Reduced pain and stiffness
  • Can speed up recovery from frozen shoulder
  • May reduce need for surgery

Are there any risks?

Most people tolerate the procedure well. Side effects are rare but may include:

  • Temporary increase in pain
  • Mild swelling or bruising at the injection site
  • Infection (rare)
  • Allergic reaction to the medication
  • Flushing or temporary rise in blood sugar (especially in diabetics)

When to seek medical help?

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage at the injection site
  • Fever or chills
  • Severe or worsening shoulder pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

What happens next?

  • Keep up with your physiotherapy or home exercises — this is critical for long-term recovery.
  • You may need more than one injection, depending on your response.
  • Book a follow-up with your doctor to check your progress.

Tendon calcium removal, also known as barbotage or ultrasound-guided lavage, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat calcific tendinitis — a condition where calcium deposits build up inside a tendon, often in the shoulder (rotator cuff). The procedure breaks up and removes the calcium, helping to reduce pain, improve movement and speed up healing.

Patient Information Sheet:

Why is this procedure done?

You may be referred for calcium removal if:

  • You have pain and stiffness from calcium deposits in a tendon
  • The condition hasn’t improved with physiotherapy, medications, or steroid injections
  • Imaging (like ultrasound or X-ray) confirms a calcium deposit in your tendon

Before the procedure?

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Take blood thinners
  • Have any allergies (especially to anesthetics or steroids)
  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Have had recent infections or surgery

Preparation:

  • You can eat and drink normally before the procedure
  • Wear loose clothing or a tank top for easy access to the shoulder (or other area)
  • Arrange a ride home if your arm feels sore or weak after the procedure

During your procedure

  • The skin over the tendon is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
  • Using ultrasound guidance, a radiologist inserts a fine needle into the calcium deposit.
  • A saline solution is injected to break up and flush out the calcium. This is often done with two needles: one to inject fluid and the other to draw out the calcium mixture.
  • Some remaining calcium may be removed by aspiration (suction).
  • A small amount of steroid may be injected to reduce inflammation.
  • A bandage is applied, and the procedure is usually complete within 30–45 minutes.

After the procedure

  • You may feel some soreness or swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days.
  • Use ice packs (15–20 minutes at a time) for comfort.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with the treated arm for 24–48 hours.
  • You may need to follow  a rehab plan or return to physiotherapy.

When will I feel better?

  • Most patients notice pain relief within a few days to 2 weeks.
  • It may take a few weeks for full healing as your body absorbs any remaining calcium.
  • Repeat procedures are rarely needed, but can be done if calcium re-accumulates.

Are there any risks?

This is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Rare risks include:

  • Temporary increase in pain
  • Infection
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Incomplete removal of calcium
  • Allergic reaction to medication

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Fever or chills
  • Increasing pain, redness, or warmth at the injection site
  • Drainage or pus
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

Is Interventional Radiology Safe?

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After the Exam

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Key Features of Our Clinic

Our point of difference

All Referrals Welcome

In Australia, radiology referrals are not clinic-specific. You can use a referral made out to another clinic here.

Expert Radiologists

A study is only as good as the specialist reporting it. Our team are experienced and broadly knowledgeable radiologists with sub-specialised training.

Latest Low-Dose Technology

We have invested in the latest imaging technology to ensure our patients enjoy the safest clinical experience possible.

Fast Reporting to GPs & Specialists

Onsite Radiologists means rapid turn-around of reports, with written correspondence sent within 2–24hours.

Urgent & Emergency

Urgent appointments are always accommodated. Simply call reception.

All Referrals Welcome

In Australia, radiology referrals are not clinic-specific. You can use a referral made out to another clinic here.

Expert Radiologists

A study is only as good as the specialist reporting it. Our team are experienced and broadly knowledgeable radiologists with sub-specialised training.

Latest Low-Dose Technology

We have invested in the latest imaging technology to ensure our patients enjoy the safest clinical experience possible.

Fast Reporting to GPs & Specialists

Onsite Radiologists means rapid turn-around of reports, with written correspondence sent within 2–24hours.

Urgent & Emergency

Urgent appointments are always accommodated. Simply call reception.

Our Team

Meet Our Radiology Team

Dr Andrew Low

BEng, MSc, MBBS(Hons 1), FRCPC, FRANZCR

Radiologist

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Dr James Bewes

BScAdv, MMedPhys, MBBS(Hons), FRANZCR

Radiologist

View Profile

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, please feel free to contact our friendly staff.

Ask a Question

Expert imaging. Clear answers. Compassionate care. Book your appointment today!

If you wish to make a booking or require urgent attention, please get in touch with our friendly team to make a booking.

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Please Note

We are NOT open to the public yet as our clinic is still under construction. Our official opening date is scheduled to be late February 2026.