Glenohumeral Joint Injection Research Articles

Accuracy of Anterior Shoulder Injections Without Image Guidance: A Prospective Controlled Study.

This study aims to assess the accuracy of glenohumeral joint injections through an anterosuperior approach using anatomical landmarks as a guide and arthroscopic visualization as the control method and to evaluate whether there is any association between accuracy, the physicians training, and the patient's pathology. A sample size of 124 patients was calculated. A prospective cohort study including 164 consecutive patients was conducted. All patients over 18 years of age who underwent shoulder arthroscopy during the study period were included. A needle was placed using an anterosuperior approach before the beginning of the surgery alternating between a shoulder surgeon and a resident. Direct visualization through a posterior arthroscopic view was used to verify correct needle placement. Each case was classified as success or failure based on the arthroscopic intra-articular visualization of the needle. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between injection accuracy, operator experience, and patient pathology. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 164 needles placed, 131 were intra-articular, giving a total correct placement rate of 80% (95% CI, 73-86%). Experts had an accuracy of 88%, compared to a precision rate of 72% for residents (p<0.001). A logistic regression was performed to evaluate which factors are independently associated with injection accuracy failure. Patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis had an OR of 6.15 for injection failure. This study shows that an anterior-superior approach shoulder injection technique performed by a shoulder specialist without image guidance has a high precision rate. However, in physicians with no experience in shoulder surgery, as well as in some pathologies such as adhesive capsulitis, the accuracy of the procedure decreases significantly and thus, in these cases, the use of some type of image guidance during the procedure may be recommended to achieve greater precision.

A preliminary study of contrast-enhanced ultrasound guided capsule-preserving hydrodilatation in shoulder adhesive capsulitis.

Capsule-preserving hydrodilatation is a common treatment for adhesive capsulitis (AC), and ultrasound (US) has recently become the most popular adjuvant tool for image-guided glenohumeral joint injection. However, traditional US is hardly adequate to assess extracapsular fluid leakage, which may decide the treatment outcomes. In this study, we explored the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guided capsule-preserving hydrodilatation with steroids and ultrasonic contrast agents for treatment of AC. A total of 40 consecutive patients with AC were prospectively enrolled and received CEUS-guided capsule-preserving hydrodilatation. The number of injection attempts, injection volume, and fluid leakage were recorded, and the correlations with clinical features were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients. Outcome measures including visual analog scale (VAS) score, passive range of motion (ROM), and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) score were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Comparisons between patients with good and poor clinical outcomes were performed with independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of good clinical outcomes. A P value <0.05 defined significance. Access to the glenohumeral joint was successful in 87.5% patients on the first attempt. The infused fluid volume was 21.0±3.40 mL. Longer symptom duration (r=-0.676, P<0.001), greater SPADI (r=-0.148, P=0.007), and decreased ROM in abduction (r=0.38, P=0.016) were associated with a decreased volume of infused fluid. CEUS detected massive fluid leakage in 5 (12.5%) patients, with 4 capsule ruptures confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Longer symptom duration (r=0.485, P=0.001), decreased ROM in the direction of abduction (r=-0.33, P=0.037), and external rotation (r=-0.34, P=0.032) were correlated with an increased incidence of massive fluid leakage. Moreover, patients with good outcomes had significantly shorter symptom duration (5.7±2.09 vs. 11.2±3.89 months, P=0.002) and greater initial VAS score (6.9±1.04 vs. 6.3±0.50, P=0.022) than those with poor outcomes. Absence of massive fluid leakage was an independent predictor of clinical good outcomes at 4 weeks after treatment [odd ratio (OR) =0.05, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.003-0.882, P=0.041]. CEUS-guided capsule-preserving hydrodilatation allows real-time visualization of capsule dilatation, accurate detection of extracapsular fluid leakage, and identification of risks for capsule rupture. It provides an effective treatment for AC, and is useful to predict patients' clinical outcomes.

High accuracy of intra-articular needle position during anterior landmark guided glenohumeral injections

ObjectivesImage-guided ultrasound or fluoroscopic glenohumeral injections have high accuracy rates but require training, equipment, cost, and radiation exposure (fluoroscopy). In contrast, landmark-guided glenohumeral injections do not require additional subspecialist referrals or equipment. An optimal technique would be safe and accurate and have few barriers to implementation. The purpose of this study was to define the accuracy of glenohumeral needle placement via an anterior landmark-guided approach as assessed by direct arthroscopic visualization. MethodsA consecutive series of adult patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the beach chair position were included in this study. Demographic and procedural data were collected. The time required to perform the injection, the precise location of the needle tip, and factors that affected the accuracy of the injection were also assessed. ResultsA standardized anterior landmark-guided glenohumeral joint injection was performed in the operating room prior to surgery, and the location of the needle tip was documented by arthroscopic visualization with a low complication profile and few barriers to implementation. A total of 81 patients were enrolled. Successful intra-articular glenohumeral needle placement by sports medicine and shoulder/elbow fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons was confirmed in 93.8% (76/81) of patients. The average time to complete the procedure was 24.8 ​s. There were no patient-related variables associated with nonintra-articular injections in the cohort. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the technique of anterior landmark-guided glenohumeral injection has an accuracy of 93.8% and requires less than 30 ​s to perform. This method is safe, yields similar accuracy to image-guided procedures, has improved cost and time efficiency, and requires less radiation exposure. No patient-related factors were associated with inaccurate needle placement. Anterior landmark-guided glenohumeral injections may be utilized with confidence by providers in the clinical setting. Level of EvidenceLevel 5.IRB: Approved under Stanford IRB-56323.

Patient Expectations of Pain Versus Experienced Expectations of Pain Following Shoulder Injection

PurposeCorticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid injections to either the subacromial space (SAS) or the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) of the shoulder are commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in outpatient settings. The first aim of this study was to determine whether the anticipated pain level differed significantly from the actual pain level experienced by patients who underwent shoulder injections. The second aim was to determine whether there was a significant difference in these pain levels between SAS and GHJ injections. The secondary goal was to investigate the correlation between patients’ demographic data, anxiety characteristics, and pain scores. DesignProspective clinical study. MethodsThis study involved patients who completed a three-part questionnaire prior as well as following an injections to the GHJ\\SAS. FindingsSixty-three patients (28 males; 35 females), mean age of 54.28 years (standard deviation 13.95, range 25 to 84) met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference between the anticipated and the experienced pain (visual analog score 6.03 vs 3.17, P < .001). Experienced pain of the GHJ injections (n = 34) was rated as being greater than that of the SAS injections (n = 29) with borderline significance (visual analog scale 3.79 vs 2.36; P = .05). Forty-five patients (71.42%) reported a decrease in at least one pain category between anticipated and experienced pain compared to an increase reported by two patients (3.17%). ConclusionsInjections to the GHJ and SAS were shown to be significantly less painful than anticipated by the patients. GHJ injections were perceived as more painful than SAS injections. Communicating this evidence-based reassuring information with patients prior to an injection may alleviate fear of the procedure, reduce the perception of pain, and ultimately improve compliance with the procedure.

Short term effects of intraarticular triamcinolone acetonide injection on serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels in male veterans: A prospective pilot study.

Despite the common practice of intraarticular corticosteroid injections (ICSIs) for peripheral joint disease, little is known about their systemic effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. To assess the short-term effects of ICSIs on serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels together with changes in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores in a veteran population. Prospective pilot study. Outpatient musculoskeletal clinic. Thirty male veterans, median age 50 (range 30-69) years. Ultrasound-guided glenohumeral joint injection using 3 mL of 1% lidocaine HCl and 1 mL of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog). Serum T, FSH, and LH levels, Quantitative Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (qADAM), and SPADI questionnaires at baseline, 1, and 4 week(s) post procedure. At 1 week post injection, serum T levels decreased by 56.8 ng/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): 91.8, 21.7, p = .002) compared with baseline. Between 1 and 4 weeks post injection, serum T levels increased by 63.9 ng/dL (95% CI: 26.5, 101.2, p = .001), recovering to near baseline levels. SPADI scores were reduced at 1 week (-18.3, 95% CI: -24.4, -12.1, p < .001) and 4 weeks (-14.5, 95% CI -21.1, -7.9, p < .001). A single ICSI can temporarily suppress the male gonadal axis. Future studies are needed to evaluate for long-term effects of multiple injections at a single setting and/or higher corticosteroid doses on male reproductive axis function.

Creating an Inexpensive PVC Shoulder Model for the Training of Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Injections.

Ultrasound-guided injections are used to treat common shoulder pathologies and have been shown to be more accurate and effective than traditional landmark-guided procedures. Currently, there exists no inexpensive shoulder model that accurately simulates the anatomical structures of the shoulder while also facilitating glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injection. Our model is an alternative to the traditional bedside training and provides a low-risk training environment. We created this model from easily accessible materials. Polyvinyl chloride pipe was used to create the skeletal infrastructure pectoral girdle. A detergent pod was used to represent the GHJ space. Steaks were used to simulate the infraspinatus and deltoid muscles, with meat glue as a fascial layer between the two simulated muscles. Total cost of materials for the model was $19.71. Our model successfully replicates known anatomical features of the GHJ. Additionally, the model facilitates injection into a GHJ space, representing a GHJ injection. Our model was replicated to train medical student practitioners during five different educational sessions. The model was validated through comparison to standardized educational ultrasound training videos. It was further validated by ultrasound experts. The shoulder model we created is effective in simulating GHJ injections under ultrasound guidance. It simulates realistic muscle and bony landmarks both for ultrasound imaging and injection feel. Importantly, it is inexpensive and easy to replicate allowing more access to medical practitioners and students to be educated on the procedure.

A randomized clinical trial of glenohumeral joint steroid injection versus suprascapular nerve block in patients with frozen shoulder: a protocol for the Therapeutic Injections For Frozen Shoulder (TIFFS) study.

Frozen shoulder is a common, painful condition that results in impairment of function. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for frozen shoulder and can be given as glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injection or suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Both injection types have been shown to significantly improve shoulder pain and range of motion. It is not currently known which is superior in terms of relieving patients' symptoms. This is the protocol for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical effectiveness of corticosteroid injection given as either a GHJ injection or SSNB. The Therapeutic Injections For Frozen Shoulder (TIFFS) study is a single centre, parallel, two-arm, randomized clinical trial. Participants will be allocated on a 1:1 basis to either a GHJ corticosteroid injection or SSNB. Participants in both trial arms will then receive physiotherapy as normal for frozen shoulder. The primary analysis will compare the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at three months after injection. Secondary outcomes include OSS at six and 12 months, range of shoulder movement at three months, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale, abbreviated Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and EuroQol five-level five-dimension health index at three months, six months, and one year after injection. A minimum of 40 patients will be recruited to obtain 80% power to detect a minimally important difference of ten points on the OSS between the groups at three months after injection. The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04965376. The results of this trial will demonstrate if there is a difference in shoulder pain and function after GHJ injection or SSNB in patients with frozen shoulder. This will help provide effective treatment to patients with frozen shoulder.

Value of Online Videos as a Shoulder Injection Training Tool for Physicians and Usability of Current Video Evaluation Tools.

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, overall quality, and educational value of online videos for learning the techniques related to shoulder injection treatments and analyzing the usability of video evaluation tools for musculoskeletal injections. Online video searches were performed in February 2022 using the terms "shoulder injection", "glenohumeral joint injection", "acromioclavicular joint injection", and "subacromial bursa injection." Included videos were scored by modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), global quality score (GQS), and shoulder injection score (SIS). Correlations between scoring systems were analyzed. Of the 150 videos, 49 (32.67%) contained highly reliable information. Regarding the assessment of overall quality by the GQS, 109 (72.67%) videos were of low quality. Regarding SIS, 114 (76.00%) scored not >5, of which 77 (51.33%) scored <3. Most of the SIS domains were fully explained in <40% of the included videos. A weak positive relationship was noted between the mDISCERN and SIS (r2 = 0.38), while a moderately positive relationship was observed between the GQS and SIS (r2 = 0.49). The majority of online videos about shoulder injection treatment showed low reliability, overall quality, and educational value. Additionally, a new scoring system is required to accurately evaluate musculoskeletal injection videos for educational purposes.

Suprascapular nerve block for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveAdhesive capsulitis is a common painful shoulder condition. Treatment for the condition remains unsatisfactory. Suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) shows promise as a treatment option for adhesive capsulitis but there are...

Accuracy of shoulder joint injections with ultrasound guidance: Confirmed by magnetic resonance arthrography.

BACKGROUNDIntra-articular glenohumeral joint injections are essential procedures for treating various shoulder disorders. Fluoroscopy-guided injections have been extensively used; however, they pose a risk of radiation exposure and are expensive and time-consuming. Recently, it has been suggested that ultrasound-guided injections are accurate and cost effective procedures.AIMTo evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injections using a posterior approach that is confirmed using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA).METHODSThe study included 179 shoulders of patients with recurrent anterior instability (150 patients; 103 and 76 right and left shoulders, respectively; 160 males and 19 females; average age = 20.5 years; age range: 14-63 years) who underwent MRA for preoperative diagnosis. They were injected with 12 mL lidocaine (1%) using the ultrasound-guided posterior approach and then underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Two shoulder surgeons, except for the injector, evaluated the transverse relaxation (T2)-weighted images of axial planes and classified the intra-articular condition of injected contrast into three groups based on one of the three following scenarios: no leakage, injection into the glenohumeral joint without leakage; minor leakage, practical intra-articular injection with some leakage outside the posterior rotator cuffs; and major leakage, inaccurate injection with mass leakage without any contrast into the joint. The inter-rater reliability between two assessors was also evaluated by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient. The learning curve was assessed regarding the inaccurate injection rate by analyzing Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.RESULTSOf the 179 injections, 163 shoulders (91.0%) had no leakage, 10 shoulders (5.6%) had minor leakage, and six shoulders (3.4%) had major leakage. In total, 173 shoulders (96.6%) were intra-articularly injected; thus, we could detect anterior labrum and capsular pathologies. Regarding the inter-rater reliability, the kappa coefficient was 0.925, indicating consistency in the evaluations by both examiners. Regression analysis of the inaccurate injection rate for assessingtechnical learning showed a logarithmic curve with a downward trend (R2 = 0.887, P < 0.001). Three (50%) of the six inaccurate injections classified into “major leakage” were observed in the first 30 injections, indicating that the accurate injection showed a leaning effect.CONCLUSIONUltrasound-guided intra-articular glenohumeral injections using a posterior approach had high accuracy; however, injection accuracy depends on clinical experience.

The Effect of Glenohumeral Joint Injection Prior to Physical Therapy on Treatment Outcomes in Adhesive Capsulitis

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided intraarticular (IA) glenohumeral injection applied before physical therapy and exercise therapy program (PTETP) contributes to the treatment outcomes in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS). Methods: The medical records of 93 patients diagnosed with ACS who underwent the same physical therapy modalities five sessions per week for three weeks (consisted of superficial heating (infrared), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound) and exercise therapy program between October 1, 2019–March 1, 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 41 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups in terms of injection application. Patients who were applied ultrasound guided IA glenohumeral injections before PTETP were considered “injection patients” (n=19), while other patients were considered “non-injection patients” (n=22). The active and passive range of motion (ROM), severity of pain, and degrees of pain and disability of the affected shoulders were assessed at baseline (day 0) and end of PTETP (day 21). Results: Physical therapy modalities and exercise therapy used in ACS treatment had a positive effect on pain scores, ROM, and disability scores at the end of three weeks. It was determined that ultrasound-guided IA injection prior to this treatment the positive effect on daytime and nighttime pain but did not provide additional benefit on ROM or disability. Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided glenohumeral IA injection therapy before PTETP may be beneficial in ACS patients with predominant symptoms of pain.

Accuracy of Landmark-guided Glenohumeral Joint Injections as Assessed by Ultrasound in Anterior Shoulder Dislocations

IntroductionTo determine the accuracy of landmark-guided shoulder joint injections (LGI) with point-of-care ultrasound for patients with anterior shoulder dislocations.MethodsPatients with anterior shoulder dislocations who underwent LGI were enrolled at our tertiary-care and trauma center. LGI attempts were recorded by an ultrasound fellowship-trained ED physician who determined if they were placed successfully. Pain and satisfaction scores were recorded.ResultsA total of 34 patients with anterior shoulder dislocation and their treating ED physicians were enrolled. 41.1% of all LGI were determined to be misplaced (n=14). Patients with successful LGI had a greater decrease in mean pain scores post-LGI.ConclusionsLGI had a substantial failure rate in our study. Using ultrasound-guidance to assist intra-articular injections may increase its accuracy and thus reduce pain and the need for subsequent procedural sedation.

Ultrasound guided injection of the rotator interval - Gaurav-Botchu technique.

Ultrasound-guided injection of the shoulder via the rotator interval can be challenging. The procedure is used for arthrograms, hydrodilatation and intra-articular glenohumeral joint injections. The conventional approach to the rotator interval is from lateral to medial. However, the placement of the needle in the target zone i.e. between the coracohumeral ligament and the long head of the biceps, can be difficult and challenging. Inadvertent injection performed with the needle in the long head of the biceps tendon can result in a biceps tendon rupture. We describe a new method (Gaurav-Botchu technique) to access the target zone (between the coracohumeral ligament and the long head of the biceps tendon) via a medial to lateral approach, which increases the target zone.

Effect of Arm Position on Visualization of Target Zone for Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Injection

Objectives: Glenohumeral injections can be performed using a variety of approaches. We hypothesize that the position of the ipsilateral arm affects the target zone for posterior approach of glenohumeral joints. Material and Methods: We performed ultrasound on three volunteers with arm with in neutral and varying degrees of flexion and extension. Results: We found that target zone is increased on flexion and decreased with arm in extension. Conclusion: Considering patient comfort, target zone, and operator ergonomics, we conclude that the posterior glenohumeral US-guided injections should be performed with patient lying on the contralateral side with the ipsilateral arm in neutral, and hand rested on the thigh (Birmingham Royal Orthopedic Hospital (BROH) position).

Complications in image-guided musculoskeletal injections.

To establish the incidence and define the nature of complications occurring following image-guided musculoskeletal injections at our institution. All patients undergoing image-guided musculoskeletal injection during the study period (16/3/2016 to 24/01/2020) were included. Departmental records were reviewed to identify all patients describing possible complications following injection, what therapy was required (if any) and what the outcome was. No patients were excluded. Complications were classified as minor or major. Injections were categorised as follows: cervical spine, lumbar facet joint, lumbar nerve root, caudal epidural and 'other'. The complication rate for each individual category of procedure was compared with the combined complication rate for all other categories by constructing contingency tables and using Fisher's exact test. A total of 8226 patients underwent image-guided musculoskeletal injections within the study period. Exactly 100 patients were identified as having reported a complication, producing an overall complication rate of 1.2%. One complication was categorised as 'major', with the patient requiring expedited surgery. The remainder (99 patients) were categorised as having experienced minor complications. The incidence of complications after 'other' injections was significantly greater than for other categories of injection (1.86%, p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in the complication rate for cervical spine (0.93%, p = 0.257), lumbar nerve root (0.85%, p = 0.401), lumbar facet joint (0.67%, p = 0.326) or caudal epidural (1.29%, p = 0.687) injections. 'Other' injections were subsequently further sub-categorised by anatomical site and imaging modality used. Glenohumeral (2.97%, p = 0.0361) and sacro-iliac (3.51%, p = 0.0498) joint injections were associated with a significantly increased risk of complications. There was no difference in the incidence of complications with fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. In conclusion, image-guided musculoskeletal injections are safe and well-tolerated procedures. Complications are rare, occurring in just 1.2% of patients. 99% of complications are minor, either not requiring intervention or resolving with simple supportive treatment.

Shoulder Pain-Wheelchair Basketball

HISTORY: 39 year old male wheelchair basketball player was referred for shoulder pain and need for potential glenohumeral joint injection. He had experienced one year of left-sided shoulder pain that began after colliding with an opponent at high velocity during a game. At the time of the trauma, he had sudden onset burning left sided neck pain that radiated down his arm to his left thumb. He noticed that raising his left arm above his shoulder worsened the shoulder pain. Additionally, he noticed left-sided weakness with elbow flexion and shoulder abduction that made wheelchair transfers difficult. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: 4/5 strength with left shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Active left shoulder abduction and flexion was limited to 90 degrees, due to pain. Empty can, Hawkin’s, and Neer’s tests caused left anterior shoulder pain. Decreased sensation over the left lateral upper arm to pinprick and light touch. Hoffman’s elicited on the left. Reflexes: 3+ left biceps. Cervical forward and left lateral flexion limited due to pain. Left Spurling’s exacerbated shoulder pain. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 1. Cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy 2. Left supraspinatus tear 3. Left subacromial impingement 4. Left adhesive capsulitis 4. Left brachial plexopathy TESTS AND RESULTS Left Shoulder MRI -No supraspinatus tear -Subtle superior/posterior labral tear -Trace biceps tenosynovitis Cervical Spine MRI -Left paracentral disc herniation causing moderate spinal canal stenosis with compression of spinal cord and myelomacia at C5-6 level. -Moderate to severe foraminal stenosis, worse on the left at C5/6. Left Brachial Plexus MRI -No abnormality Upper Extremities EMG/NCS -Left primarily demyelinating median nerve mononeuropathy across the wrist. -Denervation and re-innervation at the level of the left triceps brachii muscle without abnormalities in other C6 or C7 innervated muscles or radial innervated muscles to assist with innervation suggestive of cervical radiculopathy FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS -Left cervical radiculopathy with myelopathic features TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES -Referral to Neurosurgery for potential surgical decompression in setting of cervical myelopathic findings. - Initiated physical therapy focusing on McKenzie based program with spine stabilization.

Needle Length Requirement for Glenohumeral Joint Injection Using the Neviaser Approach.

Intra-articular glenohumeral joint injections are commonly performed in the clinical setting for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Multiple approaches are described, including the anterior and posterior approaches and the less studied superomedial (Neviaser) approach. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of needle required to enter the shoulder joint via the Neviaser approach by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Additionally, the authors sought to identify any correlation between needle length and body mass index (BMI). They performed a retrospective review of 101 consecutive patients evaluated by one faculty member at their institution. Inclusion criteria were age older than 50 years, no previous shoulder surgery, no history of acromioclavicular joint injury, and having a true anteroposterior radiograph and MRI within 1 year of each other. Using a digital imaging system, the Neviaser approach needle path was drawn for both images, and the lengths were measured. Correlation coefficients for needle length and BMI were calculated. The images of 58 (57.4%) male patients and 43 (42.6%) female patients were evaluated (average BMI, 31.2 kg/m2). The average needle length measurement was 4.27 cm on radiograph and 3.9 cm on MRI. Correlation coefficients were r=0.36 (P=.0002) using radiographs and r=0.53 (P<.0001) using MRIs. When using the Neviaser approach, there is a moderate positive correlation between BMI and the measured distance between skin and the glenohumeral joint when assessed on MRI, and a weak positive correlation on radiographs. The authors conclude that an injection needle of 2 inches or greater is required to reliably access the shoulder joint, and this length may increase with increasing BMI. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):e215-e218.].

Image guidance used for large joint and bursa injections; a survey study

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine the current rates of use of available image guidance modalities for large joint and bursal injections, in addition to their relationships to physician demographics. Methods An electronic survey was sent to 3,400 members of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), examining types of guidance used for each large joint and bursal injection. Results A total of 674 sports medicine physicians responded to the survey. Intra-articular hip and glenohumeral joint injections were more commonly performed with ultrasound guidance, while palpation-guidance was more common with all other injections. Physicians who specialized in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) were more likely to use ultrasound for trochanteric bursa (p = 0.007, OR = 4.16 [1.46–11.8]), while internal medicine-, pediatrics-, and family medicine-trained physicians were more likely to use palpation guidance for at least one joint (p < 0.05). Physicians with fewer years of experience were more likely to use ultrasound for glenohumeral joint injections (p ≤ 0.002 for all age groups with less than 20 years of experience, ORs ranging from 6.3 to 9.2). Conclusion Palpation-guidance is the most common technique used for large joint and bursal injections, other than for glenohumeral and hip joint injections. PM&R-trained physicians and those with less experience tend to use ultrasound more frequently.

A cadaveric study of the three different palpation-guided techniques for glenohumeral joint injections.

It is not known whether an anterior, posterior or superior approach using the Neviaser portal is more accurate for glenohumeral joint injections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the palpation-guided technique and compare the three different approaches. Palpation-guided glenohumeral joint injections were performed in 48 shoulders (24 cadavers) by two operators. Each shoulder was injected by three different approaches with a different coloured latex solution. The three approaches included the anterior, posterior and superior methods. The accuracy and location of unsuccessful injections were assessed through dissection of the shoulders. Posterior injections were the most successful with an accuracy rate of 89.6%, followed by anterior injections (75%) and superior injections (54.2%). Both posterior (p = 0.0001) and anterior injections (p = 0.03) were statistically significantly more accurate than superior injections. The most common failure mode was an intratendinous or intramuscular injection, which occurred most frequently with a superior approach. Use of a superior approach through the Neviaser portal for the palpation-guided technique for glenohumeral joint injections showed a statistically significant inferior accuracy when compared to both the posterior and anterior approaches and is therefore not recommended. Posterior approached injections were the most accurate.

Are patients more likely to have hip osteoarthritis progression and femoral head collapse after hip steroid/anesthetic injections? A retrospective observational study

To evaluate progression of osteoarthritis and femoral head articular surface collapse in hip steroid/anesthetic injection patients (HIPs). This study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. Two musculoskeletal radiologists performed retrospective, blinded reviews of radiography for 70 HIPs (40mg triamcinolone/4mL 0.5% preservative-free ropivacaine) with a 3- to 10-month follow-up and two control groups: demographic-matched patients with similar hip radiograph follow-up duration but no injection; and glenohumeral joint injection patients. Discordant evaluations were adjudicated by a third, senior reader. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact and unpaired t tests. There were 70 HIPs (mean age 67 ± 17 (range 19-92) years; 44women, 26men), who were followed for a mean of 6 ± 2 (3-12) months. Thirty-one (31 out of 70, 44%) of HIPs had progression of osteoarthritis after injection, versus 17 out of 70 (24%) of hip controls (HCs) and 13 out of 44 (30%) of glenohumeral injection patients (GIPs). This difference between HIPs and HCs was statistically significant (p = 0.02) but not that between HIPs and GIPs (0.17). Twelve (12 out of 70, 17%) HIPs had new collapse, compared with 1 out of 70 (1%) of HCs and 1 out of 44 (2%) of GIPs. This difference was statistically significant (HCs: p = 0.002; GIPs: p = 0.02). Hip steroid/anesthetic injection patients are more likely to demonstrate osteoarthritis progression and femoral head collapse than HC and GIPs in the injected joint 3-12months after steroid and anesthetic injection. Further evaluation of hip injectates and the injection population is warranted.