.jpg)
Workshop on Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Pain Procedures | Dr. Vinod Rajkumar’s Experience at Asian Pain Academy
- Asian Pain Academy
- Feb 27
- 5 min read
"I am Dr. Vinod Rajkumar, an orthopedic surgeon from Chennai. I have been performing many procedures and interventional procedures using the blind technique. However, I achieve results only 50% of the time, while the other 50% of the time, I do not get the desired outcomes. That is when I heard about the Asian Pain Institute, where courses on ultrasound and interventional pain procedures are conducted. I attended the course for the past four days, and it has been a very informative experience. The hands-on training was excellent, and learning ultrasound from the basics was incredibly beneficial.
On the first day itself, the basics of ultrasound were taught very well. The identification of anatomical structures in major joints—such as the shoulder joint, knee joint, elbow joint, and wrist joint—was explained in great detail. Every major procedure was covered, and I learned how to identify anatomical structures, perform procedures, manage complications if they arise, and correctly insert the needle. Everything was clearly explained. Additionally, I learned about facet joint injections and transforaminal injections, which were ultrasound and C-arm guided, making them extremely precise.
I had never fully understood how a transforaminal injection was administered until it was thoroughly explained to me by Dr. Debjyoti Dutta. It was a great learning experience. I am extremely thankful for the Asian Pain Institute for providing me with this opportunity to learn ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. Thank you!" - Dr. Vinod Rajkumar
Workshop on Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Pain Procedures: Mastering Precision Pain Management, Transforming Pain Management with Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Procedures
Introduction Pain management has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in technology providing more effective and precise methods to treat chronic pain. One such advancement is ultrasound-guided interventional pain procedures, which have revolutionized how pain specialists and orthopedic surgeons approach treatment. Traditional blind techniques, while commonly used, often result in inconsistent outcomes. However, with ultrasound guidance, the precision, efficacy, and success rate of procedures have greatly improved.
Dr. Vinod Rajkumar, an orthopedic surgeon from Chennai, recently shared his transformative experience attending a four-day hands-on training course at the Asian Pain Academy. His journey sheds light on the critical importance of ultrasound in interventional pain management and how proper training can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The Limitations of Blind Techniques in Pain Management
For years, many orthopedic surgeons and pain specialists have relied on blind techniques for interventional procedures. While effective in some cases, the success rate remains inconsistent, often around 50%. This uncertainty arises due to:
Inability to visualize anatomical structures in real time.
Difficulty in accurately placing the needle at the target site.
Increased risk of complications, including vascular or nerve injury.
Dr. Rajkumar, like many practitioners, experienced these challenges first-hand. The unpredictability of results led him to seek advanced training in ultrasound-guided interventional procedures, ultimately leading him to the Asian Pain Academy.
Why Ultrasound-Guided Procedures are the Future ?
Ultrasound guidance offers several benefits over blind techniques and even fluoroscopy in certain cases:
Real-Time Visualization – Ultrasound allows for direct visualization of soft tissues, blood vessels, and nerves, improving accuracy.
Reduced Radiation Exposure – Unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound does not expose the patient or physician to ionizing radiation.
Minimally Invasive & Precise – The technique ensures precise needle placement, reducing procedural complications.
Cost-Effective & Accessible – Compared to other imaging techniques, ultrasound is more affordable and widely available.
Faster Recovery & Better Patient Outcomes – Due to improved accuracy, pain relief is often achieved more effectively, leading to better patient satisfaction.
Recognizing these advantages, Dr. Rajkumar enrolled in the Asian Pain Academy’s comprehensive ultrasound training program.
The Learning Experience at Asian Pain Academy | Workshop on Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Pain Procedures
Day 1: Building the Foundation
The course began with a structured introduction to ultrasound technology, covering the physics behind it, probe handling, and image interpretation. A strong emphasis was placed on understanding the fundamental principles of ultrasound imaging, including:
Differentiating tissue densities.
Identifying key anatomical landmarks.
Recognizing artifacts and avoiding misinterpretations.
This foundational knowledge was crucial before moving on to actual procedural training.
Day 2: Joint-Specific Anatomy & Ultrasound Applications
The second day focused on detailed musculoskeletal anatomy, specifically targeting major joints such as:
Shoulder Joint – Suprascapular nerve blocks, intra-articular injections.
Knee Joint – Genicular nerve blocks, intra-articular knee injections.
Elbow & Wrist Joints – Tendon injections, carpal tunnel injections.
By scanning real patients and practicing on models, Dr. Rajkumar gained confidence in identifying structures and refining his scanning techniques.
Day 3: Hands-On Interventional Procedures
The third day was dedicated to interventional procedures under ultrasound guidance. The hands-on training covered:
Facet Joint Injections – Targeting the small joints in the spine to relieve back pain.
Transforaminal Injections – A breakthrough for Dr. Rajkumar, who had struggled to understand the technique before attending the course.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks – Essential for managing chronic and post-surgical pain.
Regenerative Medicine Procedures – Using ultrasound to guide PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections and stem cell therapies.
This day was particularly insightful as it bridged the gap between theory and practice, allowing participants to perform procedures with real-time feedback from expert instructors.
Day 4: Complication Management & Advanced Techniques
The final day addressed potential complications that may arise during ultrasound-guided procedures and how to manage them effectively. Topics included:
Avoiding vascular structures while inserting needles.
Minimizing the risk of nerve injury.
Managing procedural complications promptly.
By the end of the course, Dr. Rajkumar felt equipped with a new level of confidence, knowing he could perform ultrasound-guided procedures with precision and improved patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Rajkumar’s Experience
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Rajkumar highlighted several key takeaways:
Ultrasound-Guided Techniques Are a Game-Changer – The ability to visualize structures in real time eliminates guesswork and improves success rates.
Proper Training is Essential – Simply acquiring an ultrasound machine is not enough; expert training is crucial to mastering the technique.
Hands-On Experience Makes a Difference – Practical training under expert guidance significantly enhances proficiency.
Improved Patient Outcomes – Patients benefit from more precise procedures, leading to better pain relief and fewer complications.
Continuous Learning is Key – As technology evolves, staying updated with the latest advancements is necessary for any pain specialist or orthopedic surgeon.
Why Choose the Asian Pain Academy for Ultrasound Training?
The Asian Pain Academy stands out as a premier institution for pain management training due to:
World-Class Faculty – Experienced instructors with years of expertise in interventional pain procedures.
Comprehensive Curriculum – Covers everything from basics to advanced interventional techniques.
Extensive Hands-On Training – Focused on real-time practice rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Personalized Learning Experience – Small group sessions ensure individualized attention and guidance.
Whether you are an orthopedic surgeon, anesthesiologist, or pain specialist, investing in ultrasound training can significantly enhance your clinical practice.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Vinod Rajkumar’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of ultrasound-guided interventional pain procedures. His experience at the Asian Pain Academy not only improved his skill set but also gave him the confidence to provide better care to his patients. With the increasing demand for precise and effective pain management solutions, ultrasound-guided procedures are no longer an option but a necessity.
For practitioners looking to enhance their expertise and improve patient outcomes, training at the Asian Pain Academy is an invaluable opportunity. By embracing technological advancements and refining procedural techniques, pain specialists can ensure a brighter, pain-free future for their patients.
Are you ready to elevate your pain management skills? Enroll in the next ultrasound-guided interventional pain course at the Asian Pain Academy today!
Comentários