Accuracy of intra-articular injection of the glenohumeral joint: a cadaveric study

Intra-articular glenohumeral injections are an important part of orthopedic practices for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Forty human cadaver shoulders were injected, 20 anteriorly and 20 posteriorly, to assess the accuracy of injections placed in the glenohumeral joint. After the needle was placed, 1 cc of gadolinium was injected into the joint to determine accuracy of position. The radiographic presence of intra-articular contrast was judged as an accurate injection. The anterior approach had an 80% accuracy rate and .75 positive predictive value. The posterior approach had a 50% accuracy rate and a .67 positive predictive value. Anterior injections produce a higher rate of accuracy than posterior injections.