Comparison of Subacromial Ozone (O2-O3) and Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial Ozone (O2-O3) and Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shoulder pain accounts for approximately 16% of all musculoskeletal symptoms. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is the most common cause of shoulder pain.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided subacromial ozone (O2-O3) versus corticosteroid injection in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Shoulder pain accounts for approximately 16% of all musculoskeletal symptoms. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is the most common cause of shoulder pain.

There are limited studies comparing the efficacy of ozone and corticosteroid injections in rotator cuff tendinopathy. In this context, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided subacromial ozone (O2-O3) versus corticosteroid injection in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged between 18 and 70 years
• pain in the shoulder region and increase in pain with overhead-throwing activity
• chronic shoulder pain for more than 3 months
• partial rotator cuff tear or rotator cuff tendinosis diagnosed by US or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Exclusion Criteria:

• a full-thickness rotator cuff tear diagnosed by US or MRI
• allergic reaction betamethasone or lidocaine
• contraindications for ozone (O2-O3) injection, such as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD), pregnancy and platelet level <50 103/µL
• history of coagulopathy, diabetes, or hepatitis
• intra-articular/subacromial injections in the last 3 months
• history of shoulder infection, fracture, trauma, bony lesion, tumor or inflammatory rheumatic diseases
• history of brachial plexus lesion/cervical radiculopathy.