Abstract: Introduction: Interventional procedures are highly useful and applicable in Rheumatology for degenerative and inflammatory diseases such a therapeutic alternative available for our patients.
Objective: To describe the current clinical characteristics of interventional procedures in Rheumatology departments in our country and to identify the training needs in this area.
Materials and methods: This is a multicenter, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study conducted through a survey sent to all heads of Rheumatology departments/sections across the national territory, registered with the Spanish Society of Rheumatology.
Results: A total of 38 appropriately completed and valid surveys were received for analysis (56% of those sent). 94.7% of the departments have one or more ultrasound machines, and 60.53% have a designated physical space specifically for performing procedures. 97.73% perform joint injections, 31.58% perform sacroiliac joint injections, 21.05% perform lumbar facet injections, 15.79% perform myofascial injections, 13.16% perform epidural injections, and only 5.26% have access to radiofrequency therapy. Other procedures described were synovial biopsy (15.79%), salivary gland biopsy (10.53%), and isotopic synoviorthesis (7.89%). In 89.47% of the departments, the procedures are part of the rheumatology activities services, and 73.68% have nursing/auxiliary nursing support. Finally, 81.6% agree that there is insufficient specific training in performing more complex procedures.
Conclusion: The 21st-century rheumatologist must also be trained in performing interventional procedures for the treatment of mechanical and/or inflammatory pain, with the aim of incorporating them into their daily clinical practice and continuing to expand the range of care we can offer our patients.
