This study attempts to determine the most accurate route for injection of the subacromial bursa in patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. Typically, in medical practice, one of the routes of injection is used. It has not been determined if one route is superior, or if all routes are equal in delivering medication into the subacromial bursa, which sits on top of the rotator cuff tendons.
Patients with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tendonitis, having failed other non-operative measures, are offered an injection of steroid and local anesthetic to relieve their pain. This is standard treatment. In this study, patients are prospectively randomized to receive their injection by one of the three commonly used routes: anterior, posterior, or lateral. Accuracy of the injection is determined by including a small amount of contrast dye in the injection which will make the injection visible on post-injection radiographs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
75
Injection of steroid and anesthetic to relieve pain
University of California, Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Sacramento, California, United States
Radiographic e Radiographic Evidence of Successful Subacromial Injection
After injection of the subacromial bursa, all patients had two view radiographs performed within one hour to assess the accuracy of the injections
Time frame: One-hour post injection
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