Situational analysis of interventional rheumatology in Spain: Multicenter observational study

Interventional procedures are highly useful and applicable in Rheumatology for degenerative and inflammatory diseases such a therapeutic alternative available for our patients.

To describe the current clinical characteristics of interventional procedures in Rheumatology departments in our country and to identify the training needs in this area.

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.

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.

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.