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Accuracy of acromioclavicular joint injections
Bradley R Wasserman1, Sarah Pettrone, Laith M Jazrawi
1Winthrop Orthopaedic Associates, Winthrop University Hospital, Garden City, New York, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 30, 2012
Summary
Accurate acromioclavicular (AC) joint injections are crucial for diagnosis and treatment. This study found that AC joint injections have a low clinical accuracy rate, with only 66.7% of patients receiving contrast dye within the joint.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Pain Management
Background:
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injections serve diagnostic and therapeutic roles.
- Accurate needle placement is essential for effective treatment and diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of in vivo AC joint injections.
- To determine the reliability of AC joint injections in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 30 patients with AC joint pain was conducted.
- Patients received injections of lidocaine and radiographic contrast material.
- Musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed post-injection radiographs to assess contrast placement.
Main Results:
- Only 43.3% of injections were confirmed as intra-articular.
- An additional 23.3% were partially intra-articular.
- Overall, 66.7% of patients had contrast within the AC joint.
Conclusions:
- AC joint injections demonstrate relatively low clinical accuracy.
- Despite superficial location, precise needle placement remains challenging.
- Improving injection accuracy is critical for patient outcomes.
