What is Intracapsular (Glenoid) Injection?
Intracapsular (Glenoid) injections are a procedure in which anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication are injected as a mixture between the glenoid and the head of the humerus.
Who needs Intracapsular (Glenoid) Injection?
Several painful conditions may be treated with this procedure, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint. Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "Frozen Shoulder," may also benefit from intracapsular (glenoid) injections. Often this this treatment is used if other more conservative methods, like physical therapy, have already been attempted. However, injections may also be used in conjunction with other conservative treatments.
What are the steps in Intracapsular (Glenoid) Injection?
Preparing for the Injection
Once the patient is seated, the skin on the shoulder is cleaned and anesthesia is applied.
Injection
The needle is inserted into the space between the glenoid and humeral head. The surgeon then injects the mixture of anesthesia and anti-inflammatory medication, bathing the joint space to aid in relieving inflammation and pain in the joint.
After the Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, but the patient may be monitored for half an hour after the injection. The patient should avoid activities that would aggravate the shoulder for a few days following the procedure.
