Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections

Knee injections are increasingly used as part of the management of persistent knee pain and conditions such as osteoarthritis. Depending on the individual, injections may include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or combination products such as Cingal.
But choosing the right injection is only part of the process.

Where and how the injection is delivered matters too.
At PhysioImpulse in Bath, we use ultrasound guidance for our knee joint injections. This allows us to see the relevant anatomy in real time and guide the needle precisely towards the intended target.

What is an ultrasound-guided knee injection?
An ultrasound-guided injection uses diagnostic ultrasound to visualise the knee before and during the procedure.
The ultrasound allows us to identify the joint and surrounding structures and then guide the needle towards the intended injection site. The needle can be seen on the ultrasound screen as it is carefully advanced into position.
This provides a level of visual precision that isn't possible when relying solely on external anatomical landmarks.
Rather than estimating the position of the joint, we can see the target and guide the needle towards it.

Why does accuracy matter?
A knee injection is intended to deliver the treatment to a specific anatomical location.
For an intra-articular knee injection, the aim is to place the needle accurately within the knee joint. Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the joint and needle throughout the procedure, helping ensure that the treatment is delivered to the intended area.
Research supports the increased accuracy of ultrasound-guided knee injections. A 2026 systematic review of 13 studies found an overall accuracy of 95.4% for ultrasound-guided knee injections and aspirations, compared with 82.0% using landmark guidance.
For us, this is one of the major advantages of ultrasound guidance: precision.
Seeing the knee rather than estimating the targetOne of the biggest benefits of ultrasound guidance is the ability to visualise the anatomy throughout the procedure.
It allows the clinician to:

• Identify the relevant anatomy before the injection
• Select the most appropriate injection approach
• Visualise the needle as it is introduced
• Guide the needle towards the intended target
• Confirm needle position before delivering the injection
• Identify and avoid important surrounding structures where appropriate

This can be particularly useful when the anatomy is altered by osteoarthritis, previous surgery, swelling or joint effusion.

Common knee injections
There isn't one injection that is suitable for every patient. The choice depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, clinical findings and individual circumstances.

Corticosteroid injections
​Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to help reduce pain and inflammation within the knee and can provide useful short-term symptom relief for appropriate patients.

Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections, including products such as Ostenil Plus, may be considered for people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. They are designed to supplement the joint's natural synovial fluid and can help reduce pain and improve function in suitable patients.

Cingal injections
Cingal combines hyaluronic acid with a corticosteroid in a single injection. It can be considered for appropriate patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis where both components of the treatment may be beneficial.

The most appropriate injection will depend on your individual circumstances and will be discussed as part of your assessment.

​Ultrasound-guided knee injections in Bath

At PhysioImpulse, we combine detailed clinical assessment with ultrasound technology to provide accurate, targeted injection treatment.

Our aim is simple: to identify the right treatment for the right patient and deliver it as precisely as possible.

If you have persistent knee pain, knee osteoarthritis or have been considering an injection, an assessment can help determine whether an injection is appropriate and which option may be best suited to you.
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Ultrasound-guided knee injections are available at PhysioImpulse in Bath.