Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided injections combined with shoulder exercises in the treatment of subacromial adhesive bursitis

Musculoskelet Surg. 2012 May:96 Suppl 1:S57-61. doi: 10.1007/s12306-012-0191-6. Epub 2012 Apr 18.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the association of exercises for the shoulder with ultrasound-guided injection into the bursa significantly improves the treatment outcome in adhesive bursitis. Two groups of 35 patients, one treated with ultrasound-guided injection (UGI) and the other one with ultrasound-guided injection and home exercise program (UGI-exercise) for 1 month, were assessed for pain and shoulder function before treatment, 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Fourteen patients in UGI group and 23 patients in the UGI-exercises group were completely free of pain after 1 month (p = 0.031). At 3 months' follow-up, patients in the UGI-exercise group showed a significant improvement with respect to the other group (p = 0.005). No differences were found in function assessment. The UGI combined with shoulder exercises in the treatment of subacromial adhesive bursitis is effective to ensure a more frequent complete pain relief in the medium term.

MeSH terms

  • Acromion
  • Bursitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Bursitis / drug therapy
  • Bursitis / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Injections / methods
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methylprednisolone