Accuracy of anterior glenohumeral injections: a cadaver study

Intra-articular glenohumeral injections have an important role for therapeutic benefit and diagnostic information. Therefore, it is very important that the injected material should reach its desired target. This study assessed the accuracy of an anterior intra-articular injection in fresh cadavers. A total of 50 shoulders of 25 fresh cadavers were included in the study. Anterior placement of a spinal needle using a location just 1 cm lateral to the coracoid, without radiographic assistance were performed. After the needle was placed and estimated to be intra-articular 1 cc of acrylic dye was injected into the joint to determine accuracy of position. Ninety-six percent of injections were accurately administered into the glenohumeral joint and 4% in the surrounding soft tissues and capsule. Based on our cadaveric study, an unassisted anterior injection to the glenohumeral joint could be accurately placed.