Bone Cyst of Proximal Humerus after Local Betamethasone Injection (Case Report)

Abstract

A potent anti-inflammatory effect and wide application of corticosteroids were the origin of their extensive use for treatment of diseases and injuries of the shoulder joint. The authors describe a clinical case of tumor-like cyst in the proximal humerus after intra-articular injection of glucocorticosteroid (GCS) in a 43 year old woman. Current medical literature reports various complications following GCS injections but the authors found no other cases of tumor-like cyst in proximal humerus associated with intra-articular GCS injection. This can be an underestimated phenomenon or a unique case. In any case, all physicians performing treatment and diagnostics medication blockades of the large joints should be aware of this occurrence. The authors assume that such complication can be prevented by clear understanding of shoulder joint anatomy and current visualization techniques such as ultrasound navigation.

Keywords

• shoulder joint
• humerus cyst
• rupture of supraspinatus muscle
• rotator cuff
• bone allografting
• g corticosteroids