What is the effect of a subacromial corticosteroid injection in shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the effect of a subacromial corticosteroid injection in shoulder impingement syndrome?

• A. Long-term improvement
• B. No benefit
• C. Short-term pain relief only
• D. Worsens symptoms

Answer: (C)

Subacromial corticosteroid injections reduce local inflammation in the subacromial space, which diminishes pain and often improves shoulder function in the short term. This makes it a helpful bridge to physical therapy and progressive strengthening, but the relief typically does not persist long-term after a single injection. Repeated injections can have diminishing returns and potential risks, so the overall effect is best described as short-term pain relief (often with temporary improvement in function).

Subacromial corticosteroid injections reduce local inflammation in the subacromial space, which diminishes pain and often improves shoulder function in the short term. This makes it a helpful bridge to physical therapy and progressive strengthening, but the relief typically does not persist long-term after a single injection. Repeated injections can have diminishing returns and potential risks, so the overall effect is best described as short-term pain relief (often with temporary improvement in function).