The Effects of Scapulothoracic Bursa Injections in Patients With Scapular Pain: A Pilot Study

Chang WH, Im SH, Ryu JA, Lee SC, Kim JS. 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.

Design

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

Setting

University rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Twenty-two cases of suspected scapulothoracic bursitis.

Intervention

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

Main Outcome Measures

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.