Shoulder Injections

     The shoulder is the site of multiple injuries and inflammatory conditions that respond to diagnostic and therapeutic injections. Joint injections should be considered after other therapeutic interventions such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and activity modification have been tried.

      Indications for glenohumeral joint injection are osteoarthritis, adhesive capsulitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

     The injection can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis and distal clavicular osteolysis for the acromioclavicular joint.

     Subacromial injections are useful for a variety of conditions including adhesive capsulitis, subdeltoid bursitis, impingement syndrome, and rotator cuff tendinosis.

       Scapulothoracic injections are reserved for associated bursa inflammation.

      Biceps tendinitis persistent pain due to inflammatory conditions of the long head of the biceps muscle responds well to injection in the area.

       Appropriate technique, drug selection and amount, and appropriate follow-up are essential for effective results.