Ethyl chloride spray for musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided injections: An alternative to subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic solution

J Clin Ultrasound. 2018 Feb;46(2):129-131. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22561. Epub 2017 Dec 4.

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided injections such as steroid injections are common procedures involving the musculoskeletal system. They are usually performed after a subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic (LA), which can be painful. In 126 consecutive patients, local anesthesia was performed using ethyl chloride spray prior to a therapeutic ultrasound-guided injection in joints, tendons, or bursae. Ninety-nine (78.5%) patients found the use of ethyl chloride spray helpful. The use of ethyl chloride spray is an effective, patient-friendly alternative to the standard injection of local aesthetic for ultrasound-guided therapeutic musculoskeletal injections with the advantage of a lower cost of $0.18 per procedure.

Keywords: ethyl chloride spray; local anesthetic; musculoskeletal system; ultrasound guided injections.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, Local / methods*
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage*
  • Anesthetics, Local / therapeutic use
  • Ethyl Chloride / administration & dosage*
  • Ethyl Chloride / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections / adverse effects
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal System / diagnostic imaging
  • Pain / prevention & control*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Ethyl Chloride