Transcoracoacromial Ligament Glenohumeral Injection Technique Using Bony Surface Landmarks

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• Intra-articular glenohumeral injections are crucial for diagnosing and treating shoulder disorders.
• Current methods often rely on advanced imaging guidance (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI), increasing costs and limiting accessibility.
• A need exists for simpler, image-free injection techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel transcoracoacromial ligament glenohumeral injection technique.
• To demonstrate a method utilizing only surface anatomic landmarks, eliminating the need for radiographic guidance.
• To provide a reproducible and accurate injection procedure for outpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• Identification of key surface landmarks: anterolateral acromion, superior lateral coracoid tip, and distal clavicle depression.
• Determination of needle entry site at the trisection point of a line connecting the coracoid tip and distal clavicle.
• Needle insertion perpendicular to the defined triangular plane, advancing toward the humeral head.

Main Results:

• The described technique allows for accurate and reproducible intra-articular glenohumeral injections.
• The procedure can be successfully performed in an outpatient clinic setting without imaging.
• Successful implementation avoids the need for costly and time-consuming radiographic guidance.

Conclusions:

• This landmark-based glenohumeral injection technique offers a viable alternative to image-guided procedures.
• It enhances accessibility and reduces healthcare costs associated with shoulder joint injections.
• The technique is accurate, reproducible, and suitable for routine clinical practice.