Functional results of local corticosteroid injections in the management of shoulder pain

Objective: To investigate the intensity of pain, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder and functional status in patients with shoulder pain after subacromial injection. Methodology: Mixed injection which was composed of 1cc/40 mg metilprednizolon asetat and 1 cc/9 mg bupivacaine was applied into subacromial zone for patients with shoulder pain. Patients were evaluated before injection and three months, one year after injection. ROM was measured with goniometer. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). General condition of extremities was evaluated with Constant Shoulder Score and functional status of shoulder was evaluated with Turkish version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-T). Short Form-36 was used to assess general health status of the patients. Beck Depression Scale was used for evaluation of depressive symptoms. Results: Sixty two patients were evaluated. Mean age was 51.16 +/- 10.58 years. It was observed that there was significant decrease for pain intensity and BDI scores, and significant increase for ROM of shoulder. Significant improvement in the functional status of upper extremities was also observed in these patients. Conclusion: Improvements for functional status of upper extremities and pain relief in patients with shoulder pain at short term after injection was observed.