Ultrasound guided steroid injection of subacromial bursa: morphologic and clinical effects on patients with supraspinatus tendon calcifications

Year 2021, Volume: 34 Issue: 2, 152 - 156, 31.05.2021

Nurten Andac Baltacıoglu Canan Sanal Toprak Efe Soydemır Mehmet Mithat Dokur

https://doi.org/10.5472/marumj.942790

Abstract

Objective: Subacromial injection (SAI), due to its ease of application and increased patient tolerability, is one of the preferred invasive
therapies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate effectiveness of ultrasound-guided SAI in patients with supraspinatus calcific tendinitis
by assessment of roentgenograms and clinical appraisal.
Patients and Methods: Thirty-five patients with supraspinatus tendon calcifications as revealed by the roentgenography underwent
ultrasound-guided SAI. Pre-treatment the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) scores and
Gartner’s Classification of calcific tendinitis were obtained. Clinical follow-up was scheduled at 1st, 3rd and 6th months posttreatment
along with a single roentgenogram planned at 6th month.
Results: A total of 53 SAIs were performed on 36 shoulders, 21 female and 14 male patients. Mean size of calcifications were 12.3
and 7.1 mm, pre-treatment and at 6th month, respectively. Pre and post-injection calcification mean sizes in the group with clinical
improvement were 13.6 and 5.7 mm; whereas, in group without diminished symptoms, they were 11.8 and 9.4 mm demonstrating a
statistically significant intergroup difference (p<0.05). Pre-injection QuickDASH mean score was 52.2; this showed improvement at
1st, 3rd and 6th months post-treatment; 20.7, 22.2 and 19.5, respectively.
Conclusion: Subacromial injection is a well-tolerated, easily applicable, safe and effective treatment for pain alleviation in supraspinatus
calcific tendinitis.

Keywords

Calcific tendinitis, Shoulder joint, Subacromial bursa, Sonography guided injection, Steroid injection

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