In Which Cases Should Shoulder Injections Be Applied?

Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Kesmezacar, Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist, informed about shoulder diseases and injection treatments.

Shoulder Diseases And Their Causes

Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar listed the most common diseases of the shoulder and said, “We usually encounter soft tissue inflammations, tendon ruptures, calcification, and recurrent dislocations. Post-traumatic fractures and edema are also important problems affecting shoulder health.” Mentioning the causes of those diseases, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar said, “In addition to genetic factors, using the shoulder incorrectly, carrying heavy loads, and mistakes in daily life routines may cause diseases.”

Diagnosis Methods

Highlighting the importance of detailed patient questioning, physical examination, and imaging methods in the diagnosis of shoulder diseases, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar said, “Because the shoulder joint is a complex joint, physical examination is very important. Although MRI, tomography, and blood tests help in the diagnosis, the most important step is the detailed examination of the doctor.”

Injection Treatment And Areas Of Use

Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar stated that there are different types of shoulder injections and said, “Cortisone injections, nerve blocks, and tissue regenerative cell injections are commonly used methods. Particularly in some diseases, the injection may need to be performed under ultrasound guidance.”

Explaining the situations in which injection therapy is applied, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar said, “If we cannot relieve edema and pain with medications, cortisone injections are highly effective. We get successful results in diseases such as bursitis, tendinitis, and frozen shoulder.” He also added, “PRP, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell applications can relieve symptoms in the early stages of calcification. However, large-scale studies on the effectiveness of these treatments are ongoing.”

Effectiveness Of Injections And Situations Requiring Surgery

Expressing that cortisone injections may completely correct some conditions, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar said, “However, it can only reduce complaints in diseases such as arthritis and tendon ruptures.” Given the situations that require surgery, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar said, “Surgical intervention offers a permanent solution for advanced stage calcification, large tendon ruptures, frequently recurring dislocations, and serious movement restrictions. In addition, postponing the surgery by applying frequent injections may lead to the progression of the pathology in the shoulder and a decrease in the success of the surgery.”

Suggestions To Maintain Shoulder Health

Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding shoulder health, Prof. Dr. Kesmezacar concluded his words by saying, “It is necessary not to overload the shoulder, strengthen the muscles, and avoid wrong movements. Not straining the shoulder joint and avoiding repetitive movements due to fatigue in daily life will protect health in the long term.”