Subacromial Impingement at Bursitis

Overview¶

• Blind subacromial corticosteroid injections are as effective as ultrasound-guided injections for improving pain and function in subacromial impingement syndrome after short-term follow-up [1].
• Ultrasound guidance is not superior to blind injection for subacromial bursa injections regarding pain or function outcomes [4].
• Ultrasound guidance is superior to blind injection for bicipital groove injections [4].
• Subacromial injections of human placenta hydrolysate show significant improvement in pain, functional level, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome [3].
• Subacromial injection of corticosteroids is an effective short-term therapy for symptomatic subacromial impingement syndrome [8].
• Subacromial steroid injection is an alternative modality for primary frozen shoulder, and treatment should be individualized [12].
• Management of subacromial impingement syndrome includes physical therapy, injections, and surgery for some patients [2].
• There remains a need for high-quality studies of the pathology, etiology, and management of subacromial impingement syndrome [2].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there are more cases of ultrasonographic impingement in affected shoulders compared to unaffected shoulders [5].
• There are no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, or acromio-humeral distance between affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome [5].
• Arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of calcific deposits for calcific tendonitis yields short-term functional outcomes that are not influenced by the addition of subacromial decompression [10].
• Arthroscopic treatment should no longer be offered to people with subacromial impingement as surgery offers no discernible benefits but may result in harm [15].
• The weight of evidence supports nonoperative management or no treatment for subacromial impingement [15].
• Specific exercise treatment for patients with subacromial pain is effective and reduces the need for surgery, with maintained results after 10 years [18].
• There is no uniform definition for any of the diagnostic labels for shoulder pain across different randomized controlled trials [19].
• Following nonoperative treatment for at least 6 weeks, subacromial decompression is a viable and good surgical option for shoulder impingement with an intact rotator cuff [24].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

• Ultrasound guidance is not superior to non-guided injection for the subacromial bursa in terms of pain or function outcomes [4].
• Ultrasound guidance is not superior to non-guided injection for the glenohumeral joint in terms of pain or function outcomes [4].
• Ultrasound guidance is superior to non-guided injection for the bicipital groove [4].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, affected shoulders show more cases of ultrasonographic impingement compared to unaffected shoulders [5].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there are no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness between affected and unaffected shoulders [5].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there are no significant differences in subacromial bursa thickness between affected and unaffected shoulders [5].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there are no significant differences in acromio-humeral distance between affected and unaffected shoulders [5].
• Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention provides clinically meaningful short-term improvements in adhesive capsulitis [6].
• Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention administered after distension of the shoulder capsule provides clinically meaningful short-term improvements in adhesive capsulitis [6].
• The acromial morphology classification system is an unreliable method to assess the acromion [23].
• The acromial index shows no association with the presence of rotator cuff disease [23].
• Imaging is an essential tool for the evaluation of patients with shoulder pain [26].
• Understanding the extent of an injury with imaging is key to successful management of shoulder pain [26].
• 94% of patients with spontaneous frozen shoulder recover to normal levels of function and motion without treatment [29].
• Biomechanical studies indicate that the long head of the biceps contributes to stability of the glenohumeral joint in all directions [32].
• In vivo studies have not yet established the stabilizing effect of the long head of the biceps on the glenohumeral joint [32].
• The physiologic load required for the long head of the biceps to stabilize the glenohumeral joint remains unknown [32].
• Pain reduction from subacromial injection causes shifts in scapulohumeral rhythm in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears [33].
• Pain reduction from subacromial injection results in an increase in glenohumeral motion in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears [33].
• Pain reduction from subacromial injection results in reduced reliance on scapular rotation in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears [33].
• Addressing aberrant movement patterns and facilitating balanced activation of all shoulder muscles may be an appropriate treatment direction for subacromial pain syndrome [34].
• Exercise protocols targeting the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers are effective in improving pain, function, and shoulder active range of motion in patients with subacromial syndrome [35].
• There are no between-group differences in shoulder maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in subjects with subacromial impingement syndrome [36].
• The use of a triaxial gyroscope is a simple, non-invasive, and reproducible method for recording shoulder anteflexion and abduction [37].
• The Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) is a useful measurement tool that combines subjective and objective evaluations for shoulder function related to rotator cuff disorders [38].
• Isometric measurement of shoulder rotation strength provides reliable information on the functional integrity of the rotator cuff muscles [39].
• Functional integrity of the rotator cuff muscles, as measured by isometric shoulder rotation strength, is significantly related to patients' function and quality of life [39].
• The majority of questions in commonly adopted shoulder-specific functional outcome measurement tools are subjective in nature [40].
• The Shoulder Intervention Project (SIP) presents the rationale, design, methods, and operational aspects of a new rehabilitation approach to evaluate shoulder function and work disability after decompression surgery for subacromial impingement syndrome [47].
• Acute experimental shoulder pain has an inhibitory effect on the activity of the infraspinatus during arm elevation [51].
• All upper extremity-specific scales have acceptable psychometric properties for measuring rotator cuff tears [52].

Classification¶

• Subacromial impingement syndrome is a specific diagnosis that must be differentiated from other conditions such as glenohumeral instability, particularly in younger athletes [13].
• Impingement and rotator cuff syndromes were the most frequent diagnoses in population-based consultation patterns for shoulder pain [7].
• There is no uniform definition for any of the diagnostic labels for shoulder pain, as revealed by the comparison of selection criteria from different randomised controlled trials [19].
• Rotator cuff and subacromial bursa pathology were the most common findings on ultrasound and MRA in a prospective study of shoulder pain in primary care [14].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there were more cases of ultrasonographic impingement in affected shoulders compared to unaffected shoulders [5].
• There were no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, or acromio-humeral distance between affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with unilateral subacromial pain syndrome [5].
• The acromial morphology classification system is an unreliable method to assess the acromion [23].
• The acromial index shows no association with the presence of rotator cuff disease [23].
• An extended inflammatory process is present in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, involving not only the subacromial bursa but also the glenohumeral joint [9].
• Increased levels of inflammatory markers are present in the subscapularis tendon and joint capsule in patients with subacromial impingement [9].
• Abundant hemodynamic activity within the Bursa and AP resulted in severe motion pain that reflected focal bursitis, probably due to subacromial impingement and secondary glenohumeral synovitis [11].
• A novel rat model of subacromial impingement creates cellular and molecular changes consistent with the development of rotator cuff tendinopathy [50].

Clinical Presentation¶

• Impingement and rotator cuff syndromes are the most frequent diagnoses in patients with shoulder pain [7].
• Rotator cuff and subacromial bursa pathology are the most common findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance arthrography in patients with shoulder pain [14].
• Subacromial impingement syndrome is a specific diagnosis that must be differentiated from other conditions such as glenohumeral instability, particularly in younger athletes [13].
• Subacromial lipoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of rotator cuff impingement when conservative treatments fail [16].
• A large ossified mass attached to the rotator cuff tendon in the subacromial bursa can cause impingement pain and restricted shoulder motion [21].
• Symptoms of subacromial impingement can be caused by a rare benign soft tissue tumor, such as a collagenous fibroma located in the subacromial bursa [45].
• Atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, such as involvement of the teres minor, can affect overhead movement and present with isolated posterior shoulder pain [43].
• Women aged between 30 and 60 years with subacromial pain syndrome and a calcific deposit of >1.5 cm in length have the highest chance of suffering from symptomatic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff [17].
• In patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons, there are more cases of ultrasonographic impingement in affected shoulders compared to unaffected shoulders [5].
• There are no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, or acromio-humeral distance between affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome [5].
• Abundant hemodynamic activity within the bursa and anterior portal region results in severe motion pain that reflects focal bursitis, probably due to subacromial impingement and secondary glenohumeral synovitis [11].
• An extended inflammatory process is present not only in the subacromial bursa but also in the glenohumeral joint in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome [9].

Investigations¶

• Blind subacromial corticosteroid injections are as effective as ultrasound-guided injections for improving pain and function in subacromial impingement syndrome after short-term follow-up [1].
• Ultrasound guidance is not superior to blind injection for subacromial bursa and glenohumeral joint injections regarding pain or function [4].
• Ultrasound guidance is superior to blind injection for bicipital groove injections [4].
• Patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome have more cases of ultrasonographic impingement in the affected shoulder compared to the unaffected shoulder [5].
• There are no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, or acromio-humeral distance between affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with isolated unilateral subacromial pain syndrome [5].
• Impingement and rotator cuff syndromes are the most frequent diagnoses in patients with shoulder pain [7].
• An extended inflammatory process is present in the subscapularis tendon and joint capsule, in addition to the subacromial bursa, in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome [9].
• Abundant hemodynamic activity within the bursa and anterior portal results in severe motion pain reflecting focal bursitis, likely due to subacromial impingement and secondary glenohumeral synovitis [11].
• Subacromial impingement syndrome is a specific diagnosis that must be differentiated from other conditions such as glenohumeral instability, particularly in younger athletes [13].
• Rotator cuff and subacromial bursa pathology are the most common findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in patients with shoulder pain [14].
• Subacromial lipoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of rotator cuff impingement when conservative treatments fail [16].
• A large ossified mass attached to the rotator cuff tendon in the subacromial bursa can cause impingement pain and loss of motion, which resolves after surgical excision and repair [21].
• Younger age is a good prognostic factor for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• Lower BMI is a good prognostic factor for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• More functional capacity is a good prognostic factor for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• A shorter symptomatic period is a good prognostic factor for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• Reversible changes on MRI are a good prognostic factor for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• Higher Constant and ASES scores at the first evaluation are good prognostic factors for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• Accurate diagnosis of the etiology of shoulder pain and proper injection technique are important in achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes with subacromial corticosteroid injections [25].
• Imaging is an essential tool for the evaluation of patients with shoulder pain [26].
• Understanding the extent of an injury with imaging is key to successful management of shoulder pain [26].
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the shoulder after subacromial injection with corticosteroids can mimic a rotator cuff tear [41].
• Caution should be used in the interpretation of MRI scans of the shoulder soon after the injection of corticosteroids [41].
• MRI findings are significantly associated with the change in SPADI score from baseline to one-year follow-up in subacromial pain syndrome [53].
• Patients with higher MRI total scores have a poorer outcome after treatment for subacromial pain syndrome [53].
• Patients with tendinosis on MRI have a poorer outcome after treatment for subacromial pain syndrome [53].
• Patients with bursitis on MRI have a poorer outcome after treatment for subacromial pain syndrome [53].

Treatment¶

Non-Operative Management¶

• Blind subacromial corticosteroid injections are as effective as ultrasound-guided injections for improving pain and function in subacromial impingement syndrome after short-term follow-up [1].
• Ultrasound guidance is not superior to blind injection for subacromial bursa injections regarding pain or function outcomes [4].
• Subacromial injections of human placenta hydrolysate show significant improvement in pain, functional level, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome [3].
• Subacromial injection of corticosteroids is an effective short-term therapy for symptomatic subacromial impingement syndrome [8].
• There is little reproducible evidence to support the efficacy of subacromial corticosteroid injection in managing rotator cuff disease [27].
• A single injection of 60 mg of ketorolac resulted in greater improvements in outcomes than a single injection of 40 mg triamcinolone for subacromial impingement at four weeks [44].
• Subacromial hyaluronate injection produces similar pain and functional improvement to corticosteroid at short-term follow-up for impingement syndrome [20].
• Subacromial autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) injections are a good alternative to subacromial cortisone injections, especially in patients with contraindications to cortisone [42].
• Subacromial steroid injection is an alternative modality for primary frozen shoulder, and treatment should be individualized [12].
• Specific exercise treatment for subacromial pain is effective and reduces the need for surgery, with maintained results after 10 years [18].
• Management of subacromial impingement syndrome includes physical therapy, injections, and surgery for some patients [2].
• The diagnostic labeling of shoulder pain lacks uniformity across randomized controlled trials [19].

Operative Management¶

• Arthroscopic treatment should no longer be offered to people with subacromial impingement as surgery offers no discernible benefits but may result in harm, with evidence supporting nonoperative management or no treatment [15].
• Following nonoperative treatment for at least 6 weeks, arthroscopic subacromial decompression (SAD) is a viable and good surgical option for shoulder impingement with an intact rotator cuff [24].
• Surgery is indicated for persistent pain and loss of function despite conservative treatment in the patient care pathway for subacromial shoulder pain [49].
• The short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement is not influenced by whether it is performed in combination with or without subacromial decompression [10].

Differential Diagnosis¶

• Subacromial lipoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of rotator cuff impingement when conservative treatments fail [16].

Complications¶

• Arthroscopic treatment for subacromial impingement offers no discernible benefits and may result in harm [15].
• Abundant hemodynamic activity within the subacromial bursa and anterior portal resulted in severe motion pain, reflecting focal bursitis likely due to subacromial impingement and secondary glenohumeral synovitis [11].
• An extended inflammatory process is present not only in the subacromial bursa but also in the glenohumeral joint in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome [9].
• A large ossified mass attached to the rotator cuff tendon in the subacromial bursa can cause impingement pain and loss of shoulder motion, requiring surgical excision and repair [21].

Recovery¶

• Blind subacromial corticosteroid injections are as effective as ultrasound-guided injections for improving pain and function in subacromial impingement syndrome after short-term follow-up [1].
• Subacromial injections of human placenta hydrolysate show significant improvement in pain, functional level, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome [3].
• Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention, administered alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule, provides clinically meaningful short-term improvements in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder [6].
• Subacromial injection of corticosteroids is an effective short-term therapy for symptomatic subacromial impingement syndrome [8].
• An extended inflammatory process is present in both the subacromial bursa and the glenohumeral joint capsule in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome [9].
• The short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement is not influenced by the addition of subacromial decompression [10].
• Women aged 30 to 60 years with subacromial pain syndrome and a calcific deposit greater than 1.5 cm in length have the highest chance of suffering from symptomatic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff [17].
• Specific exercise treatment for subacromial pain is effective and reduces the need for surgery, with maintained results after 10 years [18].
• Subacromial hyaluronate injection produces similar short-term pain and functional improvement to corticosteroid for impingement syndrome [20].
• Younger age, lower BMI, more functional capacity, a shorter symptomatic period, reversible changes on MRI, and higher Constant and ASES scores at initial evaluation are good prognostic factors for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome [22].
• The natural history of rotator cuff tendinopathy likely plays a significant role in long-term results, supporting the view that arthroscopic decompression is not recommended for its treatment [28].
• 94% of patients with spontaneous frozen shoulder recover to normal levels of function and motion without treatment [29].
• Arthroscopic acromioplasty provides no relevant additional clinical effects or impact on rotator cuff integrity compared to bursectomy alone at 12 years' follow-up for chronic subacromial pain syndrome [30].
• Intraoperative ultrasound facilitates arthroscopic debridement of calcific rotator cuff tendinitis, with highly significant clinical improvement observed 2 weeks post-surgery and excellent radiological results until 9 months follow-up [31].
• Arthroscopic acromioplasty significantly improves long-term clinical outcomes up to 2 years when combined with platelet-rich plasma injection for chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy [54].
• Preoperative shoulder injections are associated with increased rotator cuff revision rates, with a correlation observed that is dependent on injection frequency and time [55].

Key Evidence¶

• [L1] Blind injections into the subacromial bursa were as effective as ultrasound-guided injections for improving pain and function in subacromial impingement syndrome after a short-term follow-up. [1] (10.1177/0363546515618653)
• [L5] Management of subacromial impingement syndrome includes physical therapy, injections, and surgery for some patients, but there remains a need for high-quality studies of the pathology, etiology, and management of the condition. [2] (10.5435/00124635-201111000-00006)
• [L1] Subacromial injections showed significant improvement in pain, functional level, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. [3] (10.1186/s12891-024-08266-4)
• [L1] Ultrasound guidance is not superior in the subacromial bursa and glenohumeral joint injections in pain or function. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2021.12.013)
• [L3] In this cohort of patients with isolated unilateral SAPS, we found more cases of ultrasonographic impingement in affected shoulders compared to unaffected, but no significant differences in supraspinatus tendon thickness, subacromial bursa thickness, or acromio-humeral distance. [5] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.020)
• [L1] Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule, provided clinically meaningful improvements in the short term. [6] (10.1177/0363546518823337)
• [L3] Impingement and rotator cuff syndromes were the most frequent diagnoses. [7] (10.1186/1471-2474-13-238)
• [L1] Subacromial injection of corticosteroids is an effective short-term therapy for the treatment of symptomatic subacromial impingement syndrome. [8] (10.2106/00004623-199611000-00007)
• [L3] This study provides evidence that an extended inflammatory process is present, not only in the subacromial bursa but also in the glenohumeral joint in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. [9] (10.1007/s00167-020-05992-9)
• [L1] This study has demonstrated that the short-term functional outcome of patients with calcific tendonitis after arthroscopic bursectomy and debridement of the calcific deposit is not influenced if performed in combination with or without a subacromial decompression. [10] (10.1016/j.arthro.2015.05.015)
• [L4] Abundant hemodynamic activity within the Bursa and AP resulted in severe motion pain that reflected focal bursitis, probably due to subacromial impingement and secondary glenohumeral synovitis. [11] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.04.023)
• [L1] Subacromial steroid injection is an alternative modality, and treatment should be individualized. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.04.029)
• [L2] Rotator cuff and subacromial bursa pathology were the most common findings on ultrasound and MRA. [14] (10.1186/1471-2474-12-119)
• [L5] Arthroscopic treatment should no longer be offered to people with subacromial impingement as surgery offers no discernible benefits but may result in harm, and the weight of evidence supports nonoperative management or no treatment. [15] (10.1016/j.arthro.2022.03.017)
• [Case_report] Subacromial lipoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of rotator cuff impingement when conservative treatments fail. [16] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.09.017)
• [L3] This study demonstrates that women aged between 30 and 60 years with subacromial pain syndrome and a calcific deposit of >1.5 cm in length have the highest chance of suffering from symptomatic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.024)
• [L2] Specific exercise treatment for patients with subacromial pain was effective and reduced the need for surgery with maintained results after 10 years. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.10.027)
• [L2] The comparison of selection criteria from different randomised controlled trials revealed no uniform definition for any of the diagnostic labels for shoulder pain. [19] (10.1016/j.math.2008.04.005)
• [L2] A subacromial hyaluronate injection to treat impingement syndrome produces similar pain and functional improvement to corticosteroid at a short-term follow-up. [20] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.009)
• [L4] A large ossified mass attached to the rotator cuff tendon in the subacromial bursa was successfully treated with surgical excision and repair, resulting in the resolution of impingement pain and restoration of shoulder motion by 12 months. [21] (10.1097/01.blo.0000170720.91461.58)
• [L2] Younger age, lower BMI, more functional capacity, a shorter symptomatic period, reversible changes on MRI, and higher Constant and ASES scores at the first evaluation were good prognostic factors for the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome. [22] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.06.007)
• [L3] The acromial morphology classification system is an unreliable method to assess the acromion, and the acromial index shows no association with the presence of rotator cuff disease. [23] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.09.028)
• [L5] Following nonoperative treatment for at least 6 weeks, SAD is a viable and good surgical option for the treatment of shoulder impingement with an intact rotator cuff. [24] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.06.012)
• [L5] Accurate diagnosis of the etiology of a patient's shoulder pain and proper injection technique are important in achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes. [25] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.07.009)
• [L4] Imaging is an essential tool for evaluation of patients with shoulder pain; understanding the extent of an injury with imaging is key to successful management. [26] (10.1016/j.csm.2013.03.009)
• [L1] This systematic review of the available literature indicates that there is little reproducible evidence to support the efficacy of subacromial corticosteroid injection in managing rotator cuff disease. [27] (10.5435/00124635-200701000-00002)
• [L1] The natural history of rotator cuff tendinopathy probably plays a significant role in the results in the long-term. [28] (10.1302/0301-620x.99b6.bjj-2016-0569.r1)
• [L4] We found 94% of patients with spontaneous frozen shoulder recovered to normal levels of function and motion without treatment. [29] (10.1007/s11999-011-2176-4)
• [L2] There were no relevant additional effects of arthroscopic acromioplasty on bursectomy alone with respect to clinical outcomes and rotator cuff integrity at 12 years' follow-up. [30] (10.1016/j.jse.2017.03.021)
• [L1] Highly significant clinical improvement of the shoulder was already observed in the entire population 2 weeks after surgery, with excellent radiological results observed until the 9 months follow-up. [31] (10.1007/s00402-014-1927-6)
• [L5] Biomechanical studies indicate that the long head of the biceps contributes to stability of the glenohumeral joint in all directions, though in vivo studies have yet to establish this stabilizing effect and the physiologic load required remains unknown. [32] (10.1016/j.arthro.2010.10.014)
• [L3] Pain reduction caused shifts in scapulohumeral rhythm resulting in an increase in glenohumeral motion and a reduced reliance on scapular rotation. [33] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.05.010)
• [L1] Addressing aberrant movement patterns and facilitating balanced activation of all shoulder muscles may be a more appropriate treatment direction for the future. [34] (10.1177/1758573216660038)
• [L1] Both interventions are effective in terms of pain, function, and shoulder active range of motion. [35] (10.1016/j.jht.2017.11.041)
• [L3] No between-group differences in shoulder MVC were observed. [36] (10.1002/mus.20636)
• [L3] The use of a tri axial gyroscope is a simple non invasive and reproducible method for the recording of shoulder anteflexion and abduction. [37] (10.1186/1471-2474-13-135)
• [L4] The KSS is a useful measurement tool that combines subjective and objective evaluations for shoulder function related to rotator cuff disorders. [38] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.11.019)
• [L3] Isometric measurement of shoulder rotation strength provides reliable information on the functional integrity of the rotator cuff muscles, which is significantly related to patients' function and quality of life. [39] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.03.009)
• [L1] The majority of questions posed in the most commonly adopted shoulder-specific functional outcome measurement tools were subjective in nature and may account for part of the phenomenon. [40] (10.1007/s00264-007-0493-8)
• [L4] One should use caution in the interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging scans of the shoulder soon after the injection of corticosteroids. [41] (10.1016/j.arthro.2007.01.024)
• [L3] Therefore, subacromial ACP injections are a good alternative to subacromial cortisone injections, especially in patients with contraindication to cortisone. [42] (10.1007/s00167-015-3651-3)
• [Case_report] This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of calcific tendinitis, particularly in the context of isolated posterior shoulder pain. [43] (10.1016/j.jisako.2025.101055)
• [L1] In this study, a single injection of 60 mg of ketorolac resulted in improvements in outcomes greater than a single injection of 40 mg triamcinolone for the treatment of subacromial impingement when assessed at four weeks. [44] (10.1016/j.jse.2012.08.026)
• [L4] In this case, the symptoms were caused by a rare benign soft tissue tumor: a collagenous fibroma located in the subacromial bursa. [45] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.009)
• [L1] The paper presents the rationale, design, methods, and operational aspects of the Shoulder Intervention Project (SIP) to evaluate a new rehabilitation approach. [47] (10.1186/1471-2474-15-215)
• [L5] The document outlines a patient care pathway for subacromial shoulder pain emphasizing shared decision-making, continuity of care, and a stepwise approach from primary to secondary care, noting that surgery is indicated for persistent pain and loss of function despite conservative treatment. [49] (10.1177/1758573215576456)
• [L5] This new rat subacromial impingement model creates cellular and molecular changes consistent with the development of rotator cuff tendinopathy. [50] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.02.041)
• [L5] This study demonstrates that acute experimental shoulder pain has an inhibitory effect on the activity of the infraspinatus during arm elevation. [51] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.09.005)
• [L3] All upper extremity-specific scales had acceptable psychometric properties. [52] (10.1097/corr.0000000000000800)
• [L2] In this study, MRI findings were significantly associated with the change in the SPADI score from baseline and to one year follow-up, with a poorer outcome after treatment for the patients with higher MRI total score, tendinosis and bursitis on MRI. [53] (10.1186/s12891-017-1827-3)
• [L1] Arthroscopic acromioplasty significantly improves long-term clinical outcomes up to 2 years. [54] (10.1177/0363546515608485)
• [L3] This study strongly suggests a correlation between preoperative shoulder injections and revision rotator cuff repair, with frequency and time dependence observed. [55] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.10.116)

References¶

[1] Ultrasound-Guided Versus Blind Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015. DOI: 10.1177/0363546515618653 [2] Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon. 2011. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-201111000-00006 [3] Effectiveness and safety of human placenta hydrolysate injection into subacromial space in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a single-blind, randomized trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-08266-4 [4] Ultrasound Guidance Is Not Superior in Subacromial Bursa and Intraarticular Injections but Superior in Bicipital Groove: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.12.013 [5] Bilateral ultrasonographic findings in patients with unilateral subacromial pain syndrome and intact rotator cuff tendons. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2025. 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