Download Costochondral joint injections GHPI0397_05_16_A4

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Patient
Information
Costochondral joint injections
Introduction
This leaflet provides information about a procedure called
costochondral joint injections, possible benefits and side effects
and what you should do afterwards.
What is the costochondral joint?
The costochondral joints are located on each rib; they are the
junction between the bony and the gristly part of the rib.
Why am I having the injection?
The costochondral joints can become inflamed for no apparent
reason. This is called costochondritis and can cause pain.
Injecting the joints can be effective in reducing pain for many
people.
What is injected?
A small amount of local anaesthetic, with or without steroid is
injected into one or more of the costochondral, joints. The
steroid acts only around the area it is injected into and does not
have the same side-effects as taking long-term steroids.
Where is it done?
Most of the procedures are carried out in the Chedworth Suite
at Cheltenham General Hospital. A small number of Dr Kafafy’s
patients will be asked to attend the Day Unit at Gloucestershire
Royal Hospital. A letter with details of your appointment and
instructions will be sent to you by the pain clinic.
Reference No.
GHPI0397_05_16
Department
Pain Clinic
Review due
May 2019
On arrival
• You will be asked to put on a gown
• You will be asked to lie on the trolley on your back at a 45%
angle or sit on the edge of the trolley
• The area is cleaned with anti-septic
• The consultant will numb the area with local anaesthetic
before putting in the injection
• Although you may experience some discomfort during
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Patient
Information
• Sedation is not usually required for this procedure but if you
feel very anxious then you can discuss it with the consultant
prior to the injection being carried out.
How long will I be in hospital?
Although the procedure itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, you will
be given a time to come in for either a morning or afternoon
procedure. Due to the way the theatre lists are organized, you
may have a substantial wait before your injections are done, so
please come prepared for this. After the procedure, you will be
offered a drink and a biscuit and allowed home shortly
afterwards.
Can I eat and drink?
You may eat and drink as normal unless your pain consultant
advises you differently.
Can I take my usual tablets?
Take usual medications in the morning and bring your
medications with you. Patients taking blood thinning drugs such
as warfarin or clopidogrel and diabetics will be given individual
information.
Can I drive home?
For safety reasons we would ask you not to drive on the day of
your procedure. Please ensure you have someone with you for
the rest of the day.
Risks
• You may experience discomfort at the injection site; this
should last only 48 hours. In about 1 out of 3 patients this
can last for up to a week
• There may be a local allergic reaction to the injection, which
results in redness and itching. This is not serious although
we need to know for further treatments
• Very rarely the needle may make a small hole in the lining of
the lung allowing air in. This is called a pneumothorax. This
can be a serious condition but is easily treated by the
consultant. If this happens it would result in a longer stay in
the hospital
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Patient
Information
• Unfortunately, no injection is without risk. In a very small
number of patients, there is a risk of damage to tissues in
the area of the injection and, very rarely, a permanent
increase in pain.
Will it work?
Costochondral joint injections can be very effective but they do
not work for everyone. They are easily performed and worth
trying.
What happens next?
About 6 weeks after your procedure you will either be asked to
telephone our clinical nurse specialists to give a progress
report, or your pain consultant will give you a form to post back
to us. Either way, the next step in your treatment will be
decided according to the amount of benefit you have had from
the injections and any further appointments will be sent to you
in the post. If you are free from pain, you may not be routinely
followed up, but may be left with a 6 month open appointment
instead.
Contact information
Pain Clinic
Tel: 0300 422 2976
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, 1:30pm to 4:00pm
An answering machine will be in operation at all other times.
Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/en/Wards-and
Departments/Departments/Pain- Management/Chroniclongterm-Pain-Service/
For urgent calls please contact your GP or NHS 111.
NHS 111
Tel: 111
Content reviewed: May 2016
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