Intra-Articular Shoulder Procedures
Precision-Guided Injections for Shoulder Pain Relief
Intra-articular shoulder procedures are specialized injections designed to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the shoulder joint and surrounding structures. These treatments are performed under image guidance to ensure accurate delivery of medication directly to the source of pain.
Depending on the condition, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or hyaluronic acid may be used to improve shoulder function and facilitate recovery.
Conditions Treated
These procedures may be beneficial for:
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Bursitis
- Tendon Inflammation
- Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
- Biceps Tendonitis
- Ligament-Related Shoulder Pain
Available Procedures
Glenohumeral Joint Injection
Targets the main shoulder joint and is commonly used for patients suffering from arthritis, stiffness, or frozen shoulder. The injection helps reduce inflammation and improve range of motion.
Subacromial Bursa Injection
Recommended for patients with bursitis, rotator cuff irritation, and impingement syndrome. Medication is delivered into the subacromial space to decrease inflammation and relieve pain during shoulder movement.
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injection
Used for pain arising from the AC joint, often due to osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear changes. This injection provides targeted relief for pain localized at the top of the shoulder.
Long Head of Biceps Tendon Sheath Injection
Performed under ultrasound guidance to treat inflammation around the biceps tendon. The medication is injected into the tendon sheath rather than the tendon itself, helping reduce pain while minimizing the risk of tendon damage.
What to Expect
- Performed as an outpatient procedure.
- Usually completed within 15–30 minutes.
- Minimal discomfort during treatment.
- Most patients return home the same day.
- Improvement may occur within a few days and continue over several weeks.
Aftercare
- Rest the shoulder for 24–48 hours.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for two days.
- Apply ice packs if soreness develops.
- Continue prescribed exercises or physiotherapy as advised.
- Attend follow-up appointments to assess treatment response.
Benefits
- Fast and targeted pain relief
- Improved shoulder mobility
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced participation in rehabilitation programs
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Quick recovery with minimal downtime
Risks and Complications
Although generally very safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary pain or swelling
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Injury to nearby structures
- Septic arthritis (rare)
Why Choose Dr. Anurag Aggarwal?
Dr. Anurag Aggarwal utilizes advanced ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance techniques to perform highly accurate shoulder injections. His expertise in interventional pain management helps patients achieve effective pain relief, improved mobility, and a faster return to everyday activities.
Book an Appointment
If shoulder pain is limiting your daily activities, consult Dr. Anurag Aggarwal to explore whether an image-guided shoulder injection can help restore comfort and movement.
- The patient is positioned comfortably on the procedure table.
- The skin is cleaned and numbed using a local anesthetic.
- Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a needle is precisely placed near the targeted cervical facet nerve.
- A combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected.
- If significant pain relief occurs, it confirms that the treated nerve is the source of pain.