Local corticosteroid injections in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis (except for frozen shoulder and calcific tendinitis). Groupe Rhumatologique Français de l'Epaule (G.R.E.P.)

Abstract

Objective: This review discusses the efficacy of local corticosteroid injections in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis (except for frozen shoulder and calcific tendinitis) according to the controlled studies published in the literature.

Study selection: All controlled studies (13) published between 1955 and 1993 have been included in this review. However, this work is not a metaanalysis because these studies are not comparable.

Data synthesis: Several studies are open to criticism. Local corticosteroid injections seem to be more effective than placebo and oral non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, especially for pain. Several questions remain unanswered: the true position of this treatment in the therapeutic strategy of rotator cuff tendinitis, the long term efficacy and deleterious effects of local corticosteroid injections and the optimal technique and number of injections.

Conclusion: Local corticosteroid injections seem to be effective in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis. However, a controlled study more closely reflecting clinical practice is needed to confirm these data.