Abstract | BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain can be a difficult problem to evaluate and treat, as it can have several different causes. We studied a series of patients with neck pain near the superomedial aspect of the scapula that was referred pain from inflammation of the shoulder secondary to chronic impingement. We postulate that some patients with specific clinical findings and neck pain can benefit from treatment of shoulder impingement. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the charts of thirty-four patients with neck pain who met three criteria for the diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome: (1) a positive impingement sign with pain referred to the neck, (2) radiographic abnormalities, and (3) relief of neck pain after injection of lidocaine and cortisone into the subacromial space. Subjective pain scores were determined before and after the injection. RESULTS: Thirty of the thirty-four patients obtained immediate relief of the neck pain following injection into the subacromial space, and the remaining four had substantial pain relief when they were evaluated three weeks following the injection. Avoidance of the shoulder impingement position (forward elevation of the arm above 90 degrees ) subsequently minimized recurrences. CONCLUSIONS:
|
Authors | Jerrold M Gorski, Lawrence H Schwartz |
Journal | The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
(J Bone Joint Surg Am)
Vol. 85
Issue 4
Pg. 635-8
(Apr 2003)
ISSN: 0021-9355 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12672838
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Anesthetics, Local
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Lidocaine
- Methylprednisolone
|
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anesthetics, Local
(administration & dosage)
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Chronic Disease
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Humans
- Injections, Intra-Articular
- Lidocaine
(administration & dosage)
- Male
- Methylprednisolone
(administration & dosage)
- Middle Aged
- Neck Pain
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Retrospective Studies
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Treatment Outcome
|