The effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain on depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke.

PURPOSE: We attempted to investigate whether ultrasound (US)-guided intra-articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections can potentially influence the severity of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).

METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic stroke with HSP received US-guided corticosteroid injections. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, passive shoulder range of motion (ROM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were evaluated before the injection, and one and two months after the injection.

RESULTS: NRS, passive shoulder ROM, BDI and STAI scores were significantly lower one and two months following the injection. Changes in NRS scores were significantly correlated with changes in psychological outcomes (BDI and STAI).

CONCLUSION: US-guided intra-articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections might be a beneficial treatment option for relieving depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic stroke with HSP. Also, US-guided injections appear to be helpful for reducing shoulder pain and increasing shoulder ROM.