• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.68-73
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• 2009

Purpose: We retrospectively studied the outcomes of the shoulder impingement syndrome for the treatment of the ultrasound-guided subacromial bursal steroid injection. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six shoulders of sixty-two patients with shoulder impingement syndrome treated from March, 2006 to April, 2009 were involved in this study. All cases underwent standardized, nonoperative treatment protocol consisting of 5~12 MHz high resolution ultrasound-guided local steroid injection into the subacromial bursa in modified Crass position. The shoulder range of motion, VAS score and impingement signs were evaluated during the initial and 1year visits. After injection, shoulder elevation exercise was encouraged. Statistical analysis with ANOVA model and Tukey's post-hoc test with the significance level at 5% were performed using SAS program. Results: All cases showed improved range of motion without limitation of shoulder function at immediate post-injection, 6-week, 3-month and 1year visits. The average VAS score at one year follow-up decreased to 2.85 from 6.47 before injection. In all cases the impingement signs became negative immediate after injection. However, 6 cases showed positive impingement signs after 6-week, which became negative after reinjection. The range of motion and VAS score were improved at one-year follow-up compared to initial visit (p<0.0001). No complication was noted at all follow-up period. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection alleviated the need of surgery, because it was successful in all our cases to improve pain and function of the shoulders until one year follow-up period.