Comparison of glenohumeral and subacromial steroid injection in primary frozen shoulder: a prospective, randomized short-term comparison study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Glenohumeral (GH) joint steroid injection is one of the most well-known treatments for frozen shoulder. However, the low accuracy of GH joint injections and the improvement of symptoms after subacromial (SA) steroid injections led us to design a study that compares the efficacy of a steroid injection for primary frozen shoulder according to the injection site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients with primary frozen shoulder were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the location of the injection: a GH group of 37 for the glenohumeral joint and an SA group of 34 for the subacromial space. Injections were completed using ultrasonographic guidance. Evaluations using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Constant score, and passive range of motion (ROM) were completed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the injection.

RESULTS:

The GH group showed lower pain VAS at 3 weeks, but no statistical difference was found between the 2 groups at 6 and 12 weeks. Improvement in pain was evident at every follow-up visit compared with the preinjection evaluation. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to the Constant score or ROM at serial follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

The GH steroid injection was not superior to a SA injection for patients with primary frozen shoulder even though injection at the GH joint led to earlier pain relief compared with the SA injection. SA steroid injection along with a GH injection is an alternative modality, and the treatment should be individualized and tailored appropriately.

• Authors: Joo Han Oh, Chung Hee Oh, Jung-Ah Choi, Sae Hoon Kim, June Hyuk Kim, Jong Pil Yoon
• Journal: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery (J Shoulder Elbow Surg) Vol. 20 Issue 7 Pg. 1034-40 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1532-6500 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21816628 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Triamcinolone

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bursitis (drug therapy)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Injections, Intra-Articular (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Shoulder Joint
• Triamcinolone (administration & dosage)