# Cutaneous Atrophy Following Corticosteroid Injections for Tendonitis: Report of Two Cases

## TL;DR

This paper reports two cases where corticosteroid injections for tendonitis caused skin thinning, which can be mistaken for other skin conditions.

## Contribution

The paper highlights cutaneous atrophy as an underrecognized side effect of corticosteroid injections in musculoskeletal treatment.

## Key findings

- Corticosteroid injections for wrist tendonitis led to cutaneous atrophy in two patients.
- Cutaneous atrophy may be misdiagnosed as linear morphea or vascular disorders.
- Dermatologists are crucial in correctly diagnosing and managing this condition.

## Abstract

Cutaneous atrophy resulting from corticosteroid injections for musculoskeletal indications is an underrecognized adverse effect among orthopedists and dermatologists. We present two cases of cutaneous atrophy following corticosteroid injections for wrist tendonitis. Patients presenting with cutaneous atrophy following orthopedic corticosteroid injections may be misdiagnosed with linear morphea, atrophoderma, or vascular disorders and receive unnecessary workups and delays in appropriate management. Dermatologists play an essential role in the evaluation of these patients.