Injections of Anatomical Regions and Diseases: Knee

Injections of the knee and its surrounding tissues play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, in this location. In this chapter, a brief overview of knee injections will be provided. One of the most common sites for injection is the knee joint itself. In the knee joint, injections may be performed not only for infusion of medication but also aspiration of joint fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Other common sites for injection are the bursae around the knee of which are pes anserine, prepatellar, and the iliotibial band bursae. Injections may be performed for aseptic bursitis and the contents of septic bursa could be aspirated. Corticosteroids, local anesthetics, visco-supplements, and orthobiologic agents are among the medications which may be used for therapeutic injections of the knee. Injections of the knee and its surrounding tissues aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Aspiration of the knee joint and the bursae around the knee may be performed through the same approaches, defined for injections. Injections of the knee should be performed gently and not against resistance, regardless of the localization. Accuracy of the injections may be improved with ultrasonography guidance. Knee injections are widely used and known as rather safe and successful methods of treatment if performed with the correct technique.