Steroid injections into myofascial trigger points versus joint injections for shoulder osteoarthritis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded-outcome, non-inferiority trial comparing two injection approaches for shoulder osteoarthritis: glucocorticoid injection at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) versus intra-articular (joint cavity) glucocorticoid injection. Eligible patients are randomized into one of the two treatment groups and receive the assigned injection, with standardized procedures and follow-up visits. Patients will be followed for two years with repeated measures of pain and function (for example, NRS and common osteoarthritis function scales) to compare long-term effects. The design focuses on whether MTrP injections can provide similar durable symptom relief while being easier to perform.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-4) confirmed by at least two orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, or general practitioners, with physical examination confirming at least one myofascial trigger point;
* Disease duration exceeding 3 months;
* Age ≥ 45 years;
* Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 3 points despite prior conservative pharmacological treatment;
* Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergy to trial medications such as corticosteroids;
* Alcohol abuse; long-term use of opioids (exceeding 2 weeks or more than 3 days per week for over 1 month); suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications; patients on long-term steroid therapy;
* Severe neurological disorders, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities, gastric ulcer, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, etc.;
* Intra-articular injection within the past 6 months or planned joint replacement surgery;
* Inability to use pain assessment scales;
* Presence of local or systemic infection;
* Pregnant or lactating patients.

Where it's running

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fang Luo
• Email: 13611326978@163.com
• Phone: +86 13611326978

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.