Correlation between rotator cuff tears and repeated subacromial steroid injections: a case-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Concern exists regarding potential damage to the rotator cuff from repeated corticosteroid injections into the subacromial space.


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.
Bhatia
M
M
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Maidstone District General Hospital, Maidstone, UK. maneeshbhatia@yahoo.com
Singh
B
B
Nicolaou
N
N
Ravikumar
K J
KJ
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones