# Effectiveness of Subacromial Methylprednisolone Acetate Injection With Lignocaine in Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

## TL;DR

A study found that a specific steroid and numbing injection significantly improved symptoms in most patients with rotator cuff tendonitis within three weeks.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the high short-term effectiveness of subacromial methylprednisolone acetate injection with lignocaine for rotator cuff tendonitis.

## Key findings

- 81 out of 87 patients (93%) showed improvement in symptoms after the injection.
- The mean age of patients was 46 years, with a majority reporting right shoulder pain.
- Symptoms had an average duration of three weeks before treatment.

## Abstract

Background

The rotator cuff, composed of subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor, and supraspinatus muscles, provides stability and a wide range of motion to the glenohumeral joint. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for effective management. This study aimed to assess short-term clinical outcomes, including reduction in pain and improvement in shoulder function, following subacromial injection of methylprednisolone acetate combined with lignocaine in patients with rotator cuff tendonitis.

Methodology

This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic and Spine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, over six months (May to November 2023). A total of 87 patients were treated with 80 mg of methylprednisolone acetate diluted in 4 mL of 2% lignocaine, injected into the subacromial space. Follow-ups at three weeks assessed effectiveness.

Results

The mean age was 46 years (SD = ±12.10), with 46% male and 54% female patients. Pain was reported in the right shoulder in 56% of cases. The mean duration of complaints was three weeks (SD = ±1.27). The intervention was effective in 81 (93%) patients.

Conclusions

Subacromial methylprednisolone acetate injection with lignocaine demonstrated a high rate of short-term symptom improvement (93%) in managing rotator cuff tendonitis.