Intra-articular shoulder block: an advanced solution

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting both young and old people.
This pain can be the result of various conditions, such as arthritis, sports injuries, bursitis, or tendonitis. When pain is severe and persists despite conventional treatments, the intra-articular shoulder block is presented as an advanced and effective solution.
This procedure not only relieves pain, but also improves shoulder functionality, allowing patients to regain their quality of life.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the body, making it susceptible to a variety of problems.
Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joint can cause constant pain, especially in older people.
• Sports injuries: Sports such as baseball, swimming or tennis, which require repetitive arm movements, can damage shoulder tissues.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, can cause pain.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, often caused by overuse or aging, can be extremely painful.

What is Intra-articular Shoulder Block?

Intra-articular shoulder block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of medication directly into the shoulder joint.
This procedure is particularly effective in relieving chronic pain and inflammation, and can be an alternative or adjunct to other treatments, such as physical therapy or oral medication.
Injected medications typically include:

• Local anesthetics: Such as lidocaine, which provides immediate pain relief.
• Corticosteroids: They help reduce inflammation in the long term.

The objective of the intra-articular block is not only to relieve pain, but also to allow greater mobility and functionality of the shoulder, facilitating rehabilitation.

Indications for Intra-articular Shoulder Blockade

Intra-articular shoulder block is indicated in patients who:

• They present with severe and persistent shoulder pain that has not improved with conservative treatments.
• They have been diagnosed with arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis in the shoulder joint.
• They experience limitations in shoulder mobility due to pain.
• They require immediate pain relief in order to participate in rehabilitation or physical therapy programs.

This procedure is ideal for those seeking a quick and effective solution for shoulder pain, especially when other options have failed.

How is the Intra-articular Shoulder Block Procedure Performed?

Intra-articular shoulder block is a relatively simple procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis.
The process includes the following steps:

1. Preparation of the patient: The patient is placed in a comfortable position, usually sitting or lying down, and the area is cleaned with an antiseptic to avoid infection.
2. Image guidance: To ensure accuracy, fluoroscopy or ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the shoulder joint.
3. Injection of the medications: Once the needle is in place, anesthetics and corticosteroids are injected.
   The patient may feel slight pressure, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
4. Recovery: After the injection, the patient is advised to rest the shoulder for a few hours.
   In most cases, patients can resume normal activities the following day, although they are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days.

Benefits of Intra-articular Shoulder Blockade

This procedure offers numerous benefits for patients suffering from shoulder pain:

• Immediate and lasting pain relief: The combination of anesthetics and corticosteroids provides rapid relief that can last for weeks or even months.
• Improved shoulder mobility: By reducing pain, patients can move the shoulder more easily, which is crucial for rehabilitation and recovery.
• Minimally invasive procedure: Compared to surgery, intra-articular block is less risky, has fewer complications and requires a much shorter recovery time.
• Reduced need for oral medications: By providing direct relief to the affected joint, dependence on oral analgesics, which can have side effects, is reduced.

Risks and Procedural Considerations

Although intra-articular shoulder block is safe, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks:

• Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the drugs used.
• Temporary pain: In some cases, pain may temporarily increase before the effects of the injection are fully felt.
• Limited duration of relief: Although the blockade provides immediate relief, its duration varies and some patients may need repeated injections.

It is important to discuss these risks with a specialist before proceeding with treatment.

Treatment Effectiveness

In 2024, intra-articular shoulder block remains a highly effective treatment for the management of shoulder pain.
Its use is supported by research and clinical experience demonstrating its ability to provide significant relief and improve patients’ quality of life.
However, long-term effectiveness may vary, and some patients may need additional injections or consider other treatments if pain persists.

Conclusion

Intra-articular shoulder block is an advanced and effective solution for pain relief in patients suffering from chronic shoulder joint conditions.
With its ability to provide quick relief and improve mobility, this procedure is a valuable option for those seeking an alternative to conventional treatments.
If you are dealing with persistent shoulder pain, consult with a specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you.