Shoulder Joint Injection
What is a shoulder joint injection?
A shoulder or glenohumeral (GH) joint injection is the injection of a steroid and local anaesthetic into the shoulder joint. Pathologic changes within the shoulder joint (i.e. arthritis, cartilage tears, etc) often lead to inflammation. This inflammation is a major cause of pain. An injection of anti-inflammatory medicines can substantially decrease this inflammation and thereby lead to a significant reduction in pain. It is one of commonest injections done blindly, but we do it in a scientific manner, where the joint is visualised under ultrasound scan and then the injection is done.
How is the procedure performed?
You will be asked to lie on your tummy first, and then on your back, in the procedure table. The injection site is sterilised with either iodine or chlorhexidine and is numbed with a local anaesthetic. The needle is then directed to the target area under ultrasound, to ensure proper placement, and medication is slowly injected.
What are the complications of a shoulder joint injection?
The complication rate for this procedure is very low. Mild discomfort at the injection site can occur. This typically lasts for a few hours but can persist for a couple days. If this occurs, taking anti-inflammatories or pain medications and applying ice to the area reduces the pain.
How long does it take for the procedure to work?
The medicine begins to take effect in one to two days at which point you should start to see some benefit. The effect continues to get stronger and stronger such that the peak effect occurs at about two weeks. Thereafter, the effect will stabilise and should last several weeks to months. Typically, the pain relief experienced from this procedure lasts 3-6 months, but there is significant variability from patient to patient. If and when the shoulder pain starts to return, this procedure can be repeated to try and attain some pain relief once again. However, it is important to stick to the rehabilitation programme devised by us, so that you wouldn’t have to have the injection done again.
Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.