Combined bursal aspiration and corticosteroid injection for rotator cuff tear patients unresponsive to conservative management: Case report

Abstract

Rationale: Subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursitis is characterized by bursal distension caused by fluid collection, commonly resulting from rotator cuff tears. Aspiration of the bursal fluid associated with rotator cuff tears tends to be overlooked. The effects of combined bursal aspiration and corticosteroid injection on full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff with SASD bursitis have not been previously reported.

Patient concerns: We report the cases of 3 patients with shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tears with marked amounts of fluid in the SASD bursa. The patients experienced intractable pain despite previous conservative management, including corticosteroid injection.

Diagnoses: Physical examination and imaging studies revealed rotator cuff tears with remarkable quantities of fluid in the SASD bursa.

Interventions and outcomes: The patients underwent ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration of the bursal fluid and intra-articular corticosteroid injection, following which, all patients experienced reduced shoulder pain for several months.

Lessons: Combined aspiration of fluid in the SASD bursa and intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the rotator cuff tear is recommended, especially in cases with untreated shoulder pain unresponsive to previous conservative management.