Correlation between Rotator Cuff Tears and Repeated Subacromial Steroid Injections: A Case-Controlled Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONConcern exists regarding potential damage to the rotator cuff from repeated corticosteroid injections into the subacromial space.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn this retrospective, case-controlled study, 230 consecutive patients presenting to three orthopaedic units with subacromial impingement and investigated as an end-point with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder were divided into groups having received less than three or three or more subacromial injections of corticosteroids.RESULTSWith no significant difference in age and sex distribution, analysis by MRI showed no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of rotator cuff tear (P < 1.0).CONCLUSIONSThis suggests that corticosteroid use in patients with subacromial impingement should not be considered a causative factor in rotator cuff tears.