Accuracy of Acromioclavicular Joint Injections. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wasserman, Bradley R.; Pettrone, Sarah; Jazrawi, Laith M.; Zuckerman, Joseph D.; Rokito, Andrew S.
• Is Part Of: American journal of sports medicine. Volume 41:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 149
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: accuracy -- acromioclavicular -- joint -- injection -- needle -- placement; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1177/0363546512467010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-5465

Abstract

Background: Injection to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of in vivo AC joint injections. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty patients with pain localized to the AC joint were injected with 1 mL of 1% lidocaine and 0.5 mL of radiographic contrast material (Isovue). Radiographs of the AC joint were taken after the injection. Each radiograph was reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist and graded as intra-articular, extra-articular, or partially intra-articular. Results: Of the 30 injections performed, 13 (43.3%) were intra-articular, 7 (23.3%) were partially articular, and 10 (33.3%) were extra-articular. When the intra-articular and the partially articular groups were combined, 20 patients (66.7%) had some contrast dye in the AC joint. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that despite the relatively superficial location of the AC joint, the clinical accuracy of AC joint injections remains relatively low.