Does COVID-19 vaccine exacerbate rotator cuff symptoms? A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is an increasingly recognized complication.
• Pre-existing shoulder conditions may influence the risk and severity of post-vaccination shoulder pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness of post-vaccination shoulder pain.
• To determine if the pre-vaccination clinical status of a shoulder affects functional loss after vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 65 patients with unilateral shoulder impingement/bursitis.
• Vaccinations were administered first to symptomatic shoulders, then to asymptomatic shoulders in the same patients.
• Pain and function were assessed using VAS, ASES, and Constant scores before and after vaccination.

Main Results:

• Fourteen patients experienced exacerbated symptoms in their vaccinated symptomatic shoulder.
• No adverse effects were noted in asymptomatic shoulders post-vaccination.
• Symptomatic shoulders showed significantly increased VAS scores and decreased ASES and Constant scores after vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Vaccinating a shoulder with pre-existing symptoms can lead to symptom exacerbation.
• Detailed patient history regarding shoulder condition is crucial before vaccination.
• Vaccination should ideally be administered to the asymptomatic shoulder to mitigate SIRVA risk.