US-guided Corticosteroid Injection Research Articles

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Injection Combined with a Targeted Therapeutic Exercise in Breast Cancer Women with Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Study

In this randomized controlled study, we aimed to assess the effects of US-guided injections of the subacromial bursa followed by a personalized rehabilitation program for breast cancer (BC) survivors. We assessed patients with subacromial pain syndrome without tendon lesions and with a history of post-surgical non-metastatic BC. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned 1:1 to receive US-guided corticosteroid injections combined with a personalized rehabilitation program (Group A; n: 19) or US-guided corticosteroid injections alone (Group B; n: 18). The primary outcome was pain relief, assessed using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary outcomes were muscle strength, shoulder function, and quality of life. No major or minor late effects were reported after the multidisciplinary intervention. Statistically significant within-group differences were found in terms of NPRS (p ≤ 0.05) in both groups. No significant between-group differences were reported after one week. However, the between-group analysis showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) after three months of follow-up in terms of pain intensity, muscle strength, shoulder function, and quality of life. Our findings suggested positive effects of a multidisciplinary approach including US-guided corticosteroid injections combined with a personalized rehabilitation program in improving pain intensity and quality of life of BC survivors with subacromial pain syndrome.

Effect of ultrasound-guided versus landmark-guided local corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the commonest neuropathy of the upper limb, can be managed with different therapeutic approaches. Local corticosteroid injection has been adopted widely in clinical practice, as it showed great efficacy in treating CTS. However, the best injection technique continues to be a subject of controversy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) versus landmark-guided (LM-guided) corticosteroid injection on the clinical and electrophysiological outcomes in patients with CTS. We performed a systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL, from which we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared US-guided and LM-based corticosteroid injection in treating individuals with CTS. We evaluated the following outcomes: Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire functional status scale (BCTQ-FSS) and symptom severity scale (BCTQ-SSS), and adverse event rate. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes, while the risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcome. A total of 8 RCTs that enrolled 500 wrists were deemed eligible. US-guided injection showed a significantly better BCTQ-FSS (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.04), BCTQ-SSS (SMD = -0.77, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.31), and adverse event rate (RR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.49) compared to LM-based injection. This meta-analysis showed the superiority of US-guided corticosteroid injection over LM-guided corticosteroid injection in enhancing functional status, improving symptom severity, and reducing the adverse event rate in individuals with CTS.

Tietze's syndrome presenting as enthesitis diagnosed by ultrasound: A case report.

Tietze's syndrome (TS) is an inflammatory disorder characterised by painful, non-suppurative swelling in the sternocostal or sternoclavicular joint. The aetiology of TS is unknown. Herein, we described a case of isolated enthesitis in the sternocostal joint in a 42-year-old male patient whose clinical course led to the diagnosis of TS. A 42-year-old male Japanese patient (HLA-B27 negative) presented with chronic anterior chest wall pain. Mild swelling and tenderness were found in the right, third sternocostal joint (rt.3STCJ). No other arthralgia was present. Ultrasonography (US) of the rt.3STCJ showed hypoechoic thickening and power Doppler signal in the anterior radiate sternocostal ligament with mild synovial hypertrophy of the STCJ. US also depicted cortical bone erosion at the sternum with neovascularisation. Magnetic resonance imaging with T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery showed high signal intensity in the bone marrow of the sternum and adjacent soft tissue around the rt.3STCJ. Based on these findings, TS with the enthesitis in the rt.3STCJ was diagnosed. The patient received a US-guided corticosteroid injection, and the symptoms completely resolved 10months later. Enthesitis may cause TS. US is a readily available, sensitive imaging technique useful for diagnosing TS.

Ultrasound-guided Tenotomy and Osteectomy for the Treatment of Iliopsoas Impingement Post-total Hip Replacement

Ultrasound-guided Tenotomy and Osteectomy for the Treatment of Iliopsoas Impingement Post-total Hip Replacement

Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Forefoot in Young Women- A Presentation of Two Cases

Introduction: Calcific tendinitis is an uncommon presentation in the forefoot with relatively few cases reported in the medical literature. It is commonly overlooked and should form part of a differential diagnosis when assessing patients presenting with acute pain of the forefoot localised to a single joint or tendon. We present two cases of young women involved in amateur running and martial arts respectively who presented with acute pain of their forefoot. Case Description: These 2 cases describe a 44 year old amateur female runner and 23 year old female martial arts athlete who presented with acute onset of pain affecting the dorsal aspect of their great toe interphalangeal joint and base of 1st metatarsal respectively. Both patients had tender erythematous swellings at the site of pain and difficulty weightbearing. Plain radiography revealed areas of calcification at the respective sites which was confirmed with ultrasound. Both patients underwent US guided corticosteroid injections with significant symptom improvement within 48 hours of injections and rapid return to sport. Discussion: These two cases demonstrate an atypical presentation of acute calcific tendinitis affecting the forefoot and add two more cases to the reported literature. Combining the characteristic clinical presentation of acute pain affecting a tendon or joint with a tender erythematous swelling on examination with the typical radiographic features of calcification can promptly diagnose this often misdiagnosed condition and avoid unnecessary investigations. Conservative treatment and intralesional injection with corticosteroids can lead to rapid resolution and favourable patient outcomes.

The effect of injection volume on long-term outcomes of US-guided subacromial bursa injections

PurposeLimited data exist on the efficacy of high- compared to low-volume US-guided corticosteroid injections (CI) in the subacromial-subdeltoid (SA-SD) bursa. Our purpose was to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of low- and high-volume injections, by using a capacity reference of SA-SD bursa volume, as assessed on cadaveric specimens. MethodWithin two years, 136 patients (63 males, 73 females; mean age: 46.11 ± 10.28 years) who underwent SA-SD bursa US-guided CI for subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy or shoulder overuse were prospectively included. Patients were randomly assigned to low-volume (1 mL triamcinolone acetonide/40 mg) or high-volume (1 mL triamcinolone acetonide/40 mg, 9 mL anaesthetic agents) groups (67 and 69 patients, respectively). Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) were recorded at baseline, 30 min, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Predictors of complete recovery (VAS ≤ 2) at 1 year were analysed with multivariate Cox regression analysis. SA-SD bursa cadaveric dissection in 10 specimens was performed for volume assessment. ResultsInjection volume was the only predictor of complete pain resolution at 1 year. High-volume CI yielded higher chances of early pain recovery (2.837 HR, 95% CI 1.737–4.633, P < .001). Mean VAS scores at baseline and subsequent time-points were 6, 2.6, 2.2, 2, 1.6 and 1 for the high-volume and 7.8, 7.3, 4.7, 3.2, 2.5 and 1.8 for the low-volume group, respectively (P < .001, at all time-points). Cadaveric measurements showed a minimum SA-SD bursa volume of approximately 6.9 mL. ConclusionsHigh-compared to low-volume US-guided CI are superior for achieving early pain recovery.

Étude prospective randomisée comparant les injections des corticoïdes à l’aveugle versus guidées par échographie pour le traitement de la maladie de Quervain

BackgroundUltrasonography (US)-guided corticosteroid injection (CI) has been attempted to improve injection accuracy in de Quervain‘s disease (dQD), but its role in improving clinical outcomes and decreasing skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was not established well. HypothesisWe hypothesized that the US-guided CI is superior to blind CI in symptom improvement and development of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy. Patients and methodsForty-four patients (48 wrists) with dQD received ultrasonography-guided CI (24 wrists/22 patients, group A) or blind CI (24 wrists/22 patients, group B) between December 2016 and February 2018. The visual analogue scale for pain and the Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) were used. Skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). ResultsAt 4 weeks post-injection, pain and PRWE scores improved for 22 wrists in group A and 21 wrists in group B. At 3 months post-injection, 10.0% (2/20) and 26.3% (5/19) of wrists in group A and B, respectively, had symptom recurrence after initial improvement. Improvement and aggravation rates were not significantly different between groups. The incidence of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was 69.6% (16/23 wrists) and 70.0% (14/20 wrists) in group A, and 59.1% (13/22 wrists) and 78.9% (15/19 wrists) in group B at 4 weeks and 3 months post-injection, respectively. The mean mVSS scores at the injection site in groups A and B were 2.0 (0–4.0) and 1.8 (0–5.0) at 4 weeks post-injection and 2.4 (0–7.0) and 2.9 (0–6.0) at 3 months post-injection, respectively. The incidence and severity of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy were not significantly different between groups at both time points. DiscussionPain and clinical outcomes significantly improved after CI in dQD. Pain, clinical outcomes, and the incidence and severity of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy were not significantly different between ultrasonography-guided and blind CI. Level of EvidenceI, Therapeutic.

Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Application Versus Corticosteroid Injections for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Controlled Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections versus US-guided corticosteroid injections (CSI) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).MethodsBetween January 2015 and December 2016, 24 patients with GTPS were enrolled and randomized in two groups (A and B). Group A (study group) patients received US-guided PRP injection treatment, while group B (control group) patients received US-guided CSI treatment. Clinical outcomes in both groups were evaluated and compared using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence or absence of complications at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsBoth groups showed improved scores (VAS and HHS) compared to the pre-injection period, but patients in group A had a statistically significant (p <0.05) decrease in VAS score and a significantly increased HHS at the last follow-up (24 weeks post-injection). No complications were reported.ConclusionsIn conclusion, patients with GTPS present better and longer-lasting clinical results when treated with US-guided PRP injections compared to those with CSI. Further studies are needed to optimize the technical preparation of PRP, the sample concentration, the number of injections and the time intervals between them, in order to achieve the maximum desired results.

Prospective randomized comparison of ultrasonography-guided and blind corticosteroid injection for de Quervain's disease

Ultrasonography (US)-guided corticosteroid injection (CI) has been attempted to improve injection accuracy in de Quervain's disease (dQD), but its role in improving clinical outcomes and decreasing skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was not established well. We hypothesized that the US-guided CI is superior to blind CI in symptom improvement and development of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy. Forty-four patients (48 wrists) with dQD received ultrasonography-guided CI (24 wrists/22 patients, group A) or blind CI (24 wrists/22 patients, group B) between December 2016 and February 2018. The visual analogue scale for pain and the Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) were used for evaluation. Skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS) RESULTS: At 4weeks post-injection, pain and PRWE scores improved for 22wrists in group A and 21wrists in group B. At 3months post-injection, 10.0% (2/20) and 26.3% (5/19) of wrists in group A and B, respectively, had symptom recurrence after initial improvement. Improvement and aggravation rates were not significantly different between the groups. The incidence of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy was 69.6% (16/23 wrists) and 70.0% (14/20 wrists) in group A, and 59.1% (13/22 wrists) and 78.9% (15/19 wrists) in group B at 4weeks and 3months post-injection, respectively. The mean mVSS scores at the injection site in group A and B were 2.0 (0-4.0) and 1.8 (0-5.0) at 4weeks post-injection and 2.4 (0-7.0) and 2.9 (0-6.0) at 3 months post-injection, respectively. The incidence and severity of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy were not significantly different between the groups at both time points. Pain and clinical outcomes significantly improved after CI in dQD. Pain, clinical outcomes, and the incidence and severity of skin hypopigmentation or atrophy were not significantly different between ultrasonography-guided and blind CI. I, Therapeutic.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Using Ultrasound-Guided Versus Landmark-Guided Corticosteroid Injection: A Randomized Prospective Trial

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent entrapment neuropathy occurring due to increased pressure in the carpal tunnel. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the degree of symptom improvement, safety, and the change in electrophysiological findings after ultrasound (US)-guided versus Landmark (LM)-guided local steroid injection for the treatment of CTS. Methods: This randomized clinical trial recruited 52 patients with moderate or moderate-to-severe CTS. The subjects were randomly assigned to US-guided or LM-guided corticosteroid injection groups and received 40 mg methylprednisolone. After four weeks and 12 weeks of treatment, the patients were evaluated using the Boston questionnaire and electrophysiological parameters were determined. Results: All variables, including symptom/functional scores and electrophysiological findings, improved significantly in both groups after four weeks (all P 0.05). Conclusions: The symptom severity, functional status, and all electrophysiological parameters improved significantly in both US-guided and LM-guided corticosteroid injection groups and generally, no statistically significant difference was observed between both methods.

A Randomized Prospective Comparative Study of Four Methods of Biceps Tendonitis Treatment: Ultrasound, Low-Level Laser + Ultrasound, Intra-Sheath, and Extra-Sheath Corticosteroid Guided Injection

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of four methods of ultrasound (US) alone or in combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (L/US), intra (InCI), and extra (ExCI) sheath US-guided corticosteroid injection in the treatment of long head of the biceps (LHB) tendonitis. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, patients with LHB tendonitis were enrolled in four groups (US, L/US, InCI, and ExCI). Pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder performance according to Constant-Murley score (CMS) were evaluated at five visits of before, one week, one month, three months, and one year after treatment. Results: VAS and CMS scores were improved after treatment in all four groups and at all visits in comparison with before treatment. The VAS score in the one-week visit was lower in the InCI group than in all other groups, but it became similar to the score of the ExCI group after this visit and was significantly lower than the score of the US group one year after treatment. CMS was similar at all visits between InCI and ExCI. At one-week and one-month visits, significant differences were seen between the injection groups and the two other non-injection groups, but at the last visit, CMS of the InCI group was only significantly different from that of the US group. Conclusions: Although intrasheath corticosteroid injection under US guidance is an effective method for the treatment of LHB tendonitis, especially in the 1st week after treatment, extra sheath injection also has acceptable results. Using L/US as a less invasive treatment could be as effective as using corticosteroid injection in long-term. © 2018, Author(s).

Long-Term Prognosis of Plantar Fasciitis: A 5- to 15-Year Follow-up Study of 174 Patients With Ultrasound Examination.

Background:Plantar fasciitis (PF) affects 7% to 10% of the population. The long-term prognosis is unknown.Purpose:Our study had 4 aims: (1) to assess the long-term prognosis of PF, (2) to evaluate whether baseline characteristics (sex, body mass index, age, smoking status, physical work, exercise-induced symptoms, bilateral heel pain, fascia thickness, and presence of a heel spur) could predict long-term outcomes, (3) to assess the long-term ultrasound (US) development in the fascia, and (4) to assess whether US-guided corticosteroid injections induce atrophy of the heel fat pad.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:From 2001 to 2011 (baseline), 269 patients were diagnosed with PF based on symptoms and US. At follow-up (2016), all patients were invited to an interview regarding their medical history and for clinical and US re-examinations. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to estimate the long-term prognosis, and a multiple Cox regression analysis was used for the prediction model.Results:In all, 174 patients (91 women, 83 men) participated in the study. All were interviewed, and 137 underwent a US examination. The mean follow-up was 9.7 years from the onset of symptoms and 8.9 years from baseline. At follow-up, 54% of patients were asymptomatic (mean duration of symptoms, 725 days), and 46% still had symptoms. The risk of having PF was 80.5% after 1 year, 50.0% after 5 years, 45.6% after 10 years, and 44.0% after 15 years from the onset of symptoms. The risk was significantly greater for women (P < .01) and patients with bilateral pain (P < .01). Fascia thickness decreased significantly in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups (P < .01) from 6.9 mm and 6.7 mm, respectively, to 4.3 mm in both groups. Fascia thickness (P = .49) and presence of a heel spur (P = .88) at baseline had no impact on prognosis. At follow-up, fascia thickness and echogenicity had normalized in only 24% of the asymptomatic group. The mean fat pad thickness was 9.0 mm in patients who had received a US-guided corticosteroid injection and 9.4 mm in those who had not been given an injection (P = .66).Conclusion:The risk of having PF in this study was 45.6% at a mean 10 years after the onset of symptoms. The asymptomatic patients had PF for a mean 725 days. The prognosis was significantly worse for women and patients with bilateral pain. Fascia thickness decreased over time regardless of symptoms and had no impact on prognosis, and neither did the presence of a heel spur. Only 24% of asymptomatic patients had a normal fascia on US at long-term follow-up. A US-guided corticosteroid injection did not cause atrophy of the heel fat pad. Our observational study did not allow us to determine the efficacy of different treatment strategies.

Shall We Inject Superficial or Deep to the Plantar Fascia? An Ultrasound Study of the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

We compared the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided corticosteroid, injected superficial or deep to the fascia, in patients with plantar fasciitis. Thirty patients (24 females [75%] and 6 males [25%]) with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis were divided into 2 groups according to the corticosteroid injection site: superficial (n = 15) or deep (n = 15) to the plantar fascia. Patient heel pain was measured using a Likert pain scale and the Foot Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS) for foot disability, evaluated at baseline and repeated in the first and sixth weeks. The plantar fascia and heel pad thicknesses were assessed on US scans at baseline and the sixth week. The groups were similar in age, gender, and body mass index (p > .05 for all). Compared with the baseline values, the Likert pain scale (p < .001 for all) and FAOS subscale (p < .01 for all) scores had improved at the first and sixth week follow-up visits in both groups. Although the plantar fascia thickness had decreased significantly in both groups at the sixth week (p < .001 for both), the heel pad thickness remained unchanged (p > .05 for both). The difference in the FAOS subscales (pain, p = .002; activities of daily living, p = .003; sports/recreational activities, p = .008; quality of life, p = .009) and plantar fascia thickness (p = .049) showed better improvement in the deep than in the superficial injection group. US-guided corticosteroid injections are safe and effective in the short-term therapeutic outcome of chronic plantar fasciitis. Additionally, injection of corticosteroid deep to the fascia might result in greater reduction in plantar fascia thickness, pain, and disability and improved foot-related quality of life.

The effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain on depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke

ABSTRACTPurpose: We attempted to investigate whether ultrasound (US)-guided intra-articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections can potentially influence the severity of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). Methods: Thirty patients with chronic stroke with HSP received US-guided corticosteroid injections. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, passive shoulder range of motion (ROM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were evaluated before the injection, and one and two months after the injection. Results: NRS, passive shoulder ROM, BDI and STAI scores were significantly lower one and two months following the injection. Changes in NRS scores were significantly correlated with changes in psychological outcomes (BDI and STAI). Conclusion: US-guided intra-articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections might be a beneficial treatment option for relieving depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic stroke with HSP. Also, US-guided injections appear to be helpful for reducing shoulder pain and increasing shoulder ROM.

US-guided Percutaneous Release of the Trigger Finger by Using a 21-gauge Needle: A Prospective Study of 60 Cases.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonographically (US)-guided percutaneous treatment of the trigger finger by releasing the A1 pulley with a 21-gauge needle. Materials and Methods This two-part study was approved by the ethics committee, and written consent was obtained from all patients. The first part consisted of 10 procedures on cadaver digits followed by dissection to analyze the effectiveness of the A1 pulley release and detect any collateral damage to the A2 pulley, interdigital nerves, or underlying flexor tendons. The second part was performed during an 18-month period starting in March 2013. It was a prospective clinical study of 60 procedures performed in 48 patients. Outcomes were evaluated through a clinical examination at day 0 and during a 6-month follow-up visit, where the trigger digit was evaluated clinically and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome measure, or QuickDASH, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were administered. Results No complications were found during the cadaver study. However, the release was considered "partial" in all fingers. In the clinical study, the trigger finger was completely resolved in 81.7% (49 of 60) of cases immediately after the procedure. Moderate trigger finger persisted in 10 cases, and one thumb pulley could not be released. A US-guided corticosteroid injection was subsequently performed in these 11 cases. At 6-month follow-up, only two cases still had moderate trigger finger and there were no late complications. The mean QuickDASH questionnaire score was 4; all patients said they were satisfied. Conclusion US-guided treatment of the trigger finger by using a 21-gauge needle is feasible in current practice, with minimal complications. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection of the subtalar joint for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The subtalar joint is commonly affected in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is challenging to treat percutaneously. To describe the technique for treating the subtalar joint with US-guided corticosteroid injections in children and young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and to evaluate the safety of the treatment. We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients (age 15months-29years) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were referred by a pediatric rheumatologist for corticosteroid injection therapy for symptoms related to the hindfoot or ankle. In these patients the diseased subtalar joint was targeted for therapy, often in conjunction with adjacent affected joints or tendon sheaths of the ankle. We used a protocol based on age, weight and joint for triamcinolone hexacetonide or triamcinolone acetonide dose prescription. We describe the technique for successful treatment of the subtalar joint. A total of 241 subtalar joint corticosteroid injections were performed under US guidance, including 68 repeat injections for recurrent symptoms in 26 of the 122 children and young adults. The average time interval between repeat injections was 24.8months (range 2.2-130.7months, median 14.2months). Subcutaneous tissue atrophy and skin hypopigmentation were the primary complications observed. These complications occurred in 3.9% of the injections. With appropriate training and practice, the subtalar joint can be reliably and safely targeted with US-guided corticosteroid injection to treat symptoms related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff

Background: Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff (RCCT) is frequently diagnosed in patients with shoulder pain, but there is no consensus on its treatment. Purpose: To compare 2 regularly applied RCCT treatments: ultrasound (US)–guided needling and lavage (barbotage) combined with a US-guided corticosteroid injection in the subacromial bursa (subacromial bursa injection [SAI]) (group 1) versus an isolated SAI (group 2). Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to the 2 groups. Shoulder function was assessed before treatment and at regular follow-up intervals (6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months) using the Constant shoulder score (CS, primary outcome), the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Additionally, calcification location, size, and Gärtner classification were assessed on radiographs. Results were analyzed using the t test, linear regression, and a mixed model for repeated measures. Results: This study included 48 patients (25 female, 52.1%; mean age, 52.0 ± 7.3 years; 23 patients in group 1) with a mean baseline CS of 68.7 ± 11.9. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four patients in group 1 and 11 in group 2 (P = .06) had an additional barbotage procedure or surgery during the follow-up period because of persisting symptoms and no resorption. At 1-year follow-up, the mean CS in group 1 was 86.0 (95% CI, 80.3-91.6) versus 73.9 (95% CI, 67.7-80.1) in group 2 (P = .005). The mean calcification size decreased by 11.6 ± 6.4 mm in group 1 and 5.1 ± 5.7 mm in group 2 (P = .001). There was total resorption in 13 patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 (P = .07). With regression analyses, correcting for baseline CS and Gärtner type, the mean treatment effect was 20.5 points (P = .05) in favor of barbotage. Follow-up scores were significantly influenced by baseline scores. Results for the DASH and WORC were similar. Conclusion: On average, there was improvement at 1-year follow-up in both treatment groups, but clinical and radiographic results were significantly better in the barbotage group.

Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection therapy for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: 12-year care experience

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are a safe and effective treatment for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The potential scope of care in ultrasound-guided corticosteroid therapy in children and a joint-based corticosteroid dose protocol designed to optimize interdisciplinary care are not found in the current literature. The purpose of this study was to report the spectrum of care, technique and safety of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection therapy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and to propose an age-weight-joint-based corticosteroid dose protocol. A retrospective analysis was performed of 198 patients (ages 21 months to 28 years) referred for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with corticosteroid therapy. Symptomatic joints and tendon sheaths were treated as prescribed by the referring rheumatologist. An age-weight-joint-based dose protocol was developed and utilized for corticosteroid dose prescription. A total of 1,444 corticosteroid injections (1,340 joints, 104 tendon sheaths) were performed under US guidance. Injection sites included small, medium and large appendicular skeletal joints (upper extremity 497, lower extremity 837) and six temporomandibular joints. For patients with recurrent symptoms, 414 repeat injections were performed, with an average time interval of 17.7 months (range, 0.5-101.5 months) between injections. Complications occurred in 2.6% of injections and included subcutaneous tissue atrophy, skin hypopigmentation, erythema and pruritis. US-guided corticosteroid injection therapy provides dynamic, precise and safe treatment of a broad spectrum of joints and tendon sheaths throughout the entire pediatric musculoskeletal system. An age-weight-joint-based corticosteroid dose protocol is effective and integral to interdisciplinary care of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Effect of glucocorticosteroid injections in tennis elbow verified on colour Doppler ultrasonography: evidence of inflammation

Objectives:It has previously been reported that lateral epicondylitis may be diagnosed with colour Doppler ultrasonography (US) by detecting hyperaemia inside the common extensor origin (CEO).This study reports on the association...

Diagnosis and treatment of heel pain in chronicinflammatory arthritis using ultrasound

The authors examined the role of ultrasound (US) in diagnosis and managementof heel pain in chronic inflammatory arthritis. Nineteen patients underwent US examination. Eight patients (2 with previously unsuccessful nonguided injections), had 11 US-guided corticosteroid injections for treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis (n = 6), plantar fasciitis (n = 3), and posterior tibial tenosynovitis (n = 2). US-demonstrated Achilles tendon rupture (n = 2), Achilles tendinitis (n = 8), posterior tibial tenosynovitis (n = 6), peroneus longus tenosynovitis (n = 2), retrocalcaneal bursitis (n = 13), and plantar fasciitis (n = 4). Loss of smooth bone contour (n = 13) correlated with bone erosions on plain radiographs in all but one case. Ten of 11 guided injections resulted in full resolution of heel pain. The diverse causes of heel pain are highlighted, and the ability of US to provide information with management implications is confirmed. US guided corticosteroid injection is beneficial, especially after failure of nonguided injection.