Exam Explanation

A steroid injection includes both a corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent. The medication is injected into the joint capsule of the affected joint.

Exam Preparation

No specific preparation is required. You can expect a telephone call from a technologist before the exam to answer health history questions.

During the Exam

You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that may be in the way and given a gown to change into. The technologist will then position you on the X-ray table. The skin around the joint will be numbed with lidocaine. The steroid will then be injected into the joint using X-ray guidance.