Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England · 2009 · 51 citations · 28 references
MedicineOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopedic SurgeryOrthopedicsRheumatologyShoulder SurgeryCorticosteroid TherapyRotator Cuff PathologyShoulder DisordersShoulder Impingement SyndromeShoulder InjuriesCorticosteroid Injection RisksIntra-articular Corticosteroid InjectionIntra-articular Corticosteroid UseProspective Case StudyRotator Cuff AssessmentRotator Cuff ImagingRotator Cuff ImpingementRotator Cuff Injury
INTRODUCTION: Concern exists regarding potential damage to the rotator cuff from repeated corticosteroid injections into the subacromial space. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, case-controlled study, 230 consecutive patients presenting to three orthopaedic units with subacromial impingement and investigated as an end-point with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder were divided into groups having received less than three or three or more subacromial injections of corticosteroids. RESULTS: With no significant difference in age and sex distribution, analysis by MRI showed no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of rotator cuff tear (P < 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that corticosteroid use in patients with subacromial impingement should not be considered a causative factor in rotator cuff tears.
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