Patient characteristics. Values are mean ± SD unless otherwise indicated.
| Characteristic | Palpation-Guided | Ultrasound-Guided | Difference, % | 95% CI | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 55.5 ± 12.8 | 51.7 ± 15.5 | −6.8 | −12.1 to +1.5 | 0.1061 |
| Female, % (n) | 83.8 (62/74) | 86.5 (64/74) | +3.1 | −9.2 to +11.5 | 0.653 |
| Large joints, % (n) | 94.6 (70/74) | 94.6 (70/74) | 0 | −8.83 to +8.83 | 0.859 |
| Small joints, % (n) | 5.5 (4/74) | 5.5 (4/74) | 0 | −154 to +154 | 0.8517 |
| Rheumatoid arthritis, % (n) | 71.6 (53/74) | 63.5 (47/74) | −11.3 | −31.6 to +9.6 | 0.2050 |
| Osteoarthritis, % (n) | 28.4 (21/74) | 36.5 (27/74) | +28.6 | −9.1 to 36.1 | 0.2050 |
| Pain before procedure (VAS pain scale) | 7.65 ± 1.90 | 7.32 ± 2.96 | −4.3 | −110 to +10.7 | 0.422 |