Shoulder
Ultrasound-guided injection of the subacromial bursa
An anti-inflammatory medication is placed with ultrasound precision inside the inflamed bursa, reducing pain during arm movement.
How it is performed
The subacromial bursa is a small cushion allowing the tendons to glide beneath the acromion; when it becomes inflamed, lifting the arm becomes painful. Using ultrasound, the bursa is identified and the needle is introduced under direct visualisation, avoiding the tendons. A mixture of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is then released. This is an ultrasound-guided procedure performed under local anaesthesia, through an access point of a few millimetres.
Who it is for
- Subacromial bursitis and impingement syndrome
- Shoulder pain during overhead movements
- Need to reduce pain in order to start physiotherapy
Recovery
No recovery time needed: daily activities resume immediately, avoiding intense effort for 48 hours. Benefit usually begins within a few days.
Conditions treated in this area: calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), subacromial bursitis.
Scientific evidence
Randomised studies show that ultrasound-guided injection is more effective than a freehand injection in reducing pain and disability in chronic subacromial bursitis, thanks to more accurate medication placement.
References on PubMed
- Is ultrasound-guided injection more effective in chronic subacromial bursitis?
Hsieh LF, Hsu WC, et al. — Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2013 · PMID 23698243
- Ultrasound-Guided Standard vs Dual-Target Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wang JC, Chang KV, et al. — Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2019 · PMID 31150601
- The effect of injection volume on long-term outcomes of US-guided subacromial bursa injections
Klontzas ME, Vassalou EE, et al. — Eur J Radiol, 2020 · PMID 32540584
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.