Bain GI1, Van Riet RP2, Gooi C3, Ashwood N1
1 University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, 5000 Adelaide; Modbury Public Hospital, Smart Road, 5092 Adelaide, Australia,
2 Modbury Public Hospital, Smart Road, 5092 Adelaide, Australia; University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium,
3 Modbury Public Hospital, Smart Road, 5092 Adelaide, Australia,
Correspondence Address: Bain G I196, Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
Purpose: Accuracy and efficacy of an intra-articular infiltration of corticosteroid and local anesthetic in the symptomatic acromioclavicular joint were studied in 44 patients. Methods: Accuracy of the infiltration was studied using a blind technique with a dynamic fluoroscopic control. Results: Accuracy of the blind infiltration technique was only 50% and the dynamic fluoroscopic technique remains our preferred technique in the clinical setting. On average patients reported a 65% decrease in the intensity of the pain following the injection. At an average follow-up of forty-two months, 59% had undergone surgery, 14% of patients reported more than three months of symptoms relief. Conclusions: Despite the poor long-term results of injecting the acromioclavicular joint, it remains a valuable technique. It has a low cost, minor risks of complications and has high diagnostic value. All but one patients reporting short-term pain relief. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.
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