The influence of ultrasound guidance in the rate of success of acromioclavicular joint injection: an experimental study on human cadavers

Background Injections of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) are performed routinely in patients with ACJ arthritis, both diagnostically and therapeutically. The aim of this prospective controlled study was to estimate the frequency of successful intra-articular ACJ injections with the aid of sonograp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery 2012-12, Vol.21 (12), p.1694-1697
Main Authors: Borbas, Paul, MD, Kraus, Tanja, MD, Clement, Hans, MD, Grechenig, Stefan, Weinberg, Annelie-Martina, MD, Heidari, Nima, MBBS, MSc, FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AC joint
acromioclavicular
Acromioclavicular Joint - diagnostic imaging
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anti-Inflammatory Agents - administration & dosage
arthritis
Arthritis - diagnostic imaging
Arthritis - drug therapy
Biological and medical sciences
Cadaver
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Female
Humans
Injections, Intra-Articular
joint injection
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Orthopedics
Prospective Studies
Reproducibility of Results
Shoulder
sonographic guidance
Ultrasonography, Interventional
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Summary:Background Injections of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) are performed routinely in patients with ACJ arthritis, both diagnostically and therapeutically. The aim of this prospective controlled study was to estimate the frequency of successful intra-articular ACJ injections with the aid of sonographic guidance versus non-guided ACJ injections. Materials and methods A total of 80 cadaveric ACJs were injected with a solution containing methylene blue and subsequently dissected to distinguish intra- from peri-articular injections. In 40 cases the joint was punctured with sonographic guidance, whereas 40 joints were injected in the control group without the aid of ultrasound. Results The rate of successful intra-articular ACJ injection was 90% (36 of 40) in the guided group and 70% (28 of 40) in the non-guided group. Ultrasound was significantly more accurate for correct intra-articular needle placement ( P = .025). Discussion The use of ultrasound significantly improves the accuracy of ACJ injection.
ISSN:1058-2746
1532-6500
DOI:10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.036