Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections in Comparison to Anatomic Landmark-Guided Injections in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided in comparison to landmark-guided subacromial corticosteroids injection on shoulder range of motion, pain, and functional status in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Methods: Forty patients who underwent subacromial corticosteroid injections with subacromial impingement syndrome diagnosis in the interventional physiatry clinic were included. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the line of treatment either ultrasound-guided injection, group 1 which included 21 patients or landmark injection, group 2 which included 19 patients. The patients were assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment by blinded outcomes assessors with the Visual Analog Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire scales.

Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, and shoulder pain duration (P > .05). There was a significant improvement in the Visual Analog Scale, range of motion, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores 4 weeks after treatment in both groups (P < .05). Visual Analog Scale, range of motion, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores did not differ significantly between the 2 groups before treatment, 4 weeks after the treatment, and treatment gain (P > .05).

Conclusion: The positive effects of landmark and ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injection on shoulder range of motion, pain, disability, and functionality are similar in subacromial impingement syndrome. Hence, using the injection technique in which the physician is more experienced will provide safer and more successful results.

Cite this article as: Metin Terzibaşıoğlu A, Çınar Ç, Soluk Özdemir Y, Doran M, Bagatır N, Öneş K. Ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injections in comparison to anatomic landmark guided injections in subacromial impingement syndrome. Arch Health Sci Res. 2022;9(3):180-185.