The effects of scapulothoracic bursa injections in patients with scapular pain: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of steroid plus hyaluronate injections for scapulothoracic bursitis in patients with scapular pain.


METHODS
Prospective open-label unicenter trial with a 3-month follow-up.


METHODS
University rehabilitation hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-two cases of suspected scapulothoracic bursitis.


METHODS
Injections into scapulothoracic bursa were performed with steroid plus hyaluronate. Injections were administered once a week for 3 weeks.


METHODS
Visual analog scale (VAS), Rubin scale, adverse events, and injection-associated complications.


RESULTS
Mean outcome scores at 3-month follow-up visits showed significant improvements versus baseline (mean VAS increased from 7.8 to 2.2) (P<.05). Furthermore, mean VAS scores at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment commencement showed significant improvements versus baseline (P<.05). No serious complication occurred during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Scapulothoracic bursitis should be considered when treating patients with perimarginal scapular pain or subscapular pain. Our findings show that steroid plus hyaluronate injections into the scapulothoracic bursa provide an effective means of treating patients with scapulothoracic bursitis.
Chang
Won Hyuk
WH
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, South Korea.
Im
Sang Hee
SH
Ryu
Jeong Ah
JA
Lee
Sang Chul
SC
Kim
Ji Sung
JS
D000328:Adult; D002061:Bursa, Synovial; D002062:Bursitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012540:Scapula; D013909:Thorax; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D055675:Viscosupplements; D014221:Triamcinolone; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid