The infiltration of the AC joint performed by one specialist: Ultrasound versus palpation a prospective randomized pilot study

Abstract Introduction The acromio-clavicular (AC) joint is very susceptible to degenerative processes that result in pain and functional impairment. One common modality of treatment has been local infiltration of the joint space. Although this procedure has produced notable positive results, needle...

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Published in:	European journal of radiology Vol. 75; no. 1; pp. e37 - e40
Main Authors:	Sabeti-Aschraf, M, Ochsner, A, Schueller-Weidekamm, C, Schmidt, M, Funovics, Ph.T, v Skrbensky, G, Goll, A, Schatz, K.D
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-07-2010
Subjects:	AC joint Acromioclavicular Joint - diagnostic imaging Acromioclavicular Joint - drug effects Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage Anesthetics, Local - administration & dosage Arthralgia - diagnostic imaging Arthralgia - drug therapy Corticoid Female Humans Injections, Intra-Articular - methods Local anaesthetic Male Middle Aged Pain Measurement - drug effects Palpation Palpation - methods Prospective Studies Radiology Radiology - methods Reproducibility of Results Sensitivity and Specificity Shoulder Treatment Outcome Ultrasonography - methods Ultrasonography, Interventional - methods Ultrasound Corticoid Palpation Local anaesthetic Ultrasound Shoulder AC joint
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Summary:	Abstract Introduction The acromio-clavicular (AC) joint is very susceptible to degenerative processes that result in pain and functional impairment. One common modality of treatment has been local infiltration of the joint space. Although this procedure has produced notable positive results, needle misplacement occurs frequently. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of an intra articular infiltration by comparing precise needle placement into the joint space using high-resolution-ultrasound with the conventional palpation technique. Methods This prospective and randomized pilot study analysed 20 patients who were assigned either to the “ultrasound” or the “palpation” group. Clinical examinations were performed before treatment and at 1 h, 1 week and 3 weeks after a single infiltration of local anaesthetic and corticoid carried out by one specialist. Results In both groups significant improvement in pain and function was obtained up to one-week post injection. Function remained significantly improved until the last follow-up and did not differ between the two groups. The agent was administered in all patients into the joint space in the ultrasound group. Conclusion Ultrasound guided infiltration of the AC joint is an easily achieved procedure without any complications. However, clinical follow-up did not differ between free-hand and ultrasound-guided AC joint space infiltration.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-News-1 ObjectType-Feature-3 content type line 23
ISSN:	0720-048X 1872-7727
DOI:	10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.06.018