Saqif Hossain, Leo G.H. Jacobs and Rashid Hashmi
This study evaluated the long-term benefits of steroid injection in 25 shoulders in 20 consecutive patients with primary acromioclavicular arthritis. Improvement was seen at 6 months and more significant improvement at 12 months. The mean score at 5 years was a significant deterioration vs the 12-month score but still a significant improvement vs the preinjection scores. Younger patients had greater improvement in the objective score, as did women.
Local steroid injection is an effective treatment for primary isolated acromioclavicular arthritis. Improvement continues for at least 12 months. The benefit is felt up to 5 years. Pain relief tends to diminish long-term.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2008, 17(4), 535-538