Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Devastating Pneumococcal Arthritis of the Shoulder After Two Corticosteroid Injections
Benjamin Kraler1, Philipp Bissig2, Richard W Nyffeler1
1Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Orthopaedic Hospital Sonnenhof, Bern, CHE.
Abstract:
A 36-year-old man was treated with two intraarticular corticoid injections for intense pain and severely decreased range of motion of his left shoulder. After the second injection, he came back with fulminant arthritis. Microbiological examination revealed streptococcus pneumoniae. Open debridement, long-term antibiotics, and total shoulder replacement were necessary to restore acceptable shoulder function. The fulminant course with rapid destruction of the joint illustrates the risks of intraarticular corticoid injections. This case also shows that the diagnosis should be accurately made and risk factors excluded before considering injection as a treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

