Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points Injection for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Shoulder Osteoarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain, specifically shoulder osteoarthritis, a common condition among older adults in China that significantly affects quality of life. This study compares the long-term effects of glucocorticoid injections at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) versus injections directly into the shoulder joint. The purpose is to see if MTrPs injections are as effective as intra-articular injections, potentially offering an easier and safe treatment option for patients who have not responded to other therapies. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an intra-articular shoulder injection or an MTrPs injection. The intra-articular injection includes a combination of lidocaine and triamcinolone acetonide delivered via an anterolateral approach. The MTrPs injection involves injecting a mixture of triamcinolone acetonide, lidocaine, and saline into tender points using a small needle. Injections are given as a single bolus into each trigger point. After treatment, participants will be followed for two years to monitor their pain and function. During the study, participants will have their pain levels assessed at multiple time points using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), WOMAC scores, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Adverse reactions will be recorded throughout the study, which lasts about one year on average for safety monitoring. The primary outcome is the NRS pain score at 4 weeks. This detailed follow-up will help determine the long-term benefits and safety of both injection methods.

Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points(MTrPs) Injection in the Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis(OA)