Shoulder Injections
Injections
to the shoulder can be performed either for diagnostic purposes or for
aspiration of joint fluid. This can be done for evaluation of possible
infection or crystalline arthritis.
Injections for therapeutic reasons are
often used to place a corticosteroid into the joints or subacromial space.
Knowing the basic anatomy and surface landmarks of the shoulder for the
subacromial space, glenohumeral joint, and AC joint is critically important for
safe and effective joint aspiration or injection. Injections should be
performed under aseptic conditions with thorough preparation of the skin and
using sterile technique. Local anesthetic can be given at the time of injection
and is often helpful in localizing the shoulder pain, particularly if the
injection is precisely given into a specific compartment and followed by
re-examination of the shoulder soon after the injection.
