Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

When to Use Cortisone Injections in the Shoulder

Posted on: 06/12/2008
Many painful shoulder problems can be managed quite well with a steroid injection. When injected into the right spot, cortisone can reduce inflammation and relieve painful symptoms. The end-result is improved range of motion, strength, and function.

In this article, the authors present a 16-step exam used to guide the diagnosis of shoulder pain. An accurate diagnosis is essential for successful steroid injection. The 16-steps include visual inspection and physical examination of the shoulder.

Physical exam includes specific shoulder tests, active and passive range of motion, and muscle strength testing. The area of focus for strength testing is the rotator cuff (four tendons that envelope the entire shoulder joint). X-rays are always advised in order to improve the accuracy of the injection(s).

What to look for and how to interpret the shoulder tests is presented. The sensitivity and specificity of each test is reported. The authors remind us that previous studies have showed that combining certain shoulder tests can dramatically improve the accuracy of the tests.

For example, combining the painful arc sign with the drop-arm sign and the infraspinatus test is the best predictor of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. And impingement syndrome is tested for by using the painful arc sign, Hawkins-Kennedy impingement sign, and the infraspinatus muscle test.

Special tests for specific conditions such as tendinitis, arthritis, and rotator cuff tears are reviewed. Likewise, tests for strains, sprains, trigger points, and frozen shoulder are also included.

By using the 16-item checklist, physicians can narrow down the diagnosis and target the tissue that can benefit from a corticosteroid injection. Once the injection has been completed, the numbing agent will mask the pain. Then the examiner can sort out which parts of the shoulder joint are affected most. Improving accuracy is the key to limiting steroid injections while increasing effectiveness.

References:
John G. Skedros, MD, and Todd C. Pitts. Injectable Corticosteroids for the Painful Shoulder: Patient Evaluation. In The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. May 2008. Vol. 25. No. 5. Pp. 236-245.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.