Radiol Clin North Am. 2026 Sep;64(5):803-812. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2026.05.001. Epub 2026 Jun 25.

ABSTRACT

Image-guided percutaneous procedures are increasingly important in managing sports-related overuse and degenerative injuries. Corticosteroid injections remain widely used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as tendinopathies, cartilage lesions, synovitis, joint impingement, and spinal degeneration. However, treatment is evolving toward regenerative approaches, including dry needling, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, and orthobiologics, which promote tissue healing. Advances in imaging have expanded applications to more complex conditions, such as chronic muscle pain, bone marrow lesions, nerve entrapment, and low back pain. Overall, these minimally invasive, targeted techniques are transforming sports medicine, offering effective alternatives to surgery and improved recovery outcomes.

PMID:42547150 | DOI:10.1016/j.rcl.2026.05.001