Combined subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis and supraspinatus tear following a COVID-19 vaccination: A case report

An analysis of reported cases shoulder injury related to vaccine administration of after COVID-19 vaccination

To prevent COVID-19, the COVID-19 vaccine has been widely administered worldwide, but various complications accompany this vaccine. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographic patterns, clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes associated with shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). This study examined 22 patients with SIRVA following COVID-19 vaccination from the Web of Science (WOS) and PubMed databases. The patients were categorized based on sex, age, type of COVID-19 vaccine received, dose administered, latency of symptom onset, and the presence of specific clinical manifestations. Patients, evenly distributed by sex (12 females, 10 males), and aged 21 to 84 years (mean age 46.6), were analyzed. SIRVA cases were reported across all age groups. The Pfizer - BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had the highest incidence (n = 8), followed by the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (n = 4). Symptoms, primarily shoulder pain (n = 22) and shoulder mobility disorders (n = 18), occurred within three days post-vaccination. Some patients also reported shoulder swelling (n = 5) and fever (n = 2). Imaging revealed nonspecific X-ray findings, supraspinatus tendon calcification (n = 2), and shoulder edema and inflammation on MRI (n = 12). This study provides insights into the clinical aspects of SIRVA related to COVID-19 vaccination. Recognition and appropriate management of these complications are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination versus idiopathic frozen shoulder: similar clinical features and functional improvement at 1-year follow-up

Background

Frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination is sparsely discussed in the medical literature. We aimed to evaluate: (1) the differences in the baseline clinical features and functional outcomes of conservatively treated frozen shoulder following COVID-19 vaccination compared to idiopathic frozen shoulder (2) the improvements in pain scores, functional outcomes, and range of motion (ROM) at 6-10 months and at 1 year of follow-up in patients with frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination treated by conservative therapy.

Methods

Between June 2021 and December 2021, 12 patients (13 shoulders) that were diagnosed with frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination (vaccine related frozen shoulder [VRF] group) (final follow-up of 12.4 months ± 0.8 months) were compared with 20 patients that were diagnosed as idiopathic frozen shoulder unrelated to vaccination (unvaccinated frozen shoulder [UFS] group) (average follow-up of 13.4 ± 3.1 months). All patients were treated with home-based stretching exercises. Four (33%) patients in the VRF group and 15 (75%) patients in the UFS group underwent steroid injection in the suprascapular notch by an experienced radiologist.

Results

The left side was affected more frequently in the VRF group [n = 10 (83.3%)] than in the UFS group [n = 8 (40%), P = .03]. The VRF and the UFS groups were similar in the rest of the baseline clinical features, such as the age distribution, men/women ratio, baseline Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS), ROM deficit, and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. The OSS, VAS pain scores, and the ROM deficit significantly improved in the VRF group at the 6-10-month follow-up and then at the final (12.4 ± 0.8 months) follow-up compared to the baseline values. At the final follow-up, there were no significant differences in the average external rotation, external rotation deficit, elevation, elevation deficit, internal rotation, pain VAS scores, and OSS between the VRF and the UFS group.

Conclusion

To conclude, frozen shoulder following COVID-19 vaccination may present with clinical features similar to those of the idiopathic frozen shoulder. Furthermore, the patients with frozen shoulder following COVID-19 vaccination may continue to improve over one year with conservative treatment; the final improvements in function and ROM are similar to those with idiopathic frozen shoulder.

Analysis of patients with adhesive capsulitis after COVID-19 vaccination: An observational study

Objectives

This study aimed to increase the awareness of clinicians about shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) by analyzing 21 patients with adhesive capsulitis that developed after COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination.

Patients and methods

In this observational study, 21 patients (11 males, 10 females; mean age: 60.7±7.3 years; range, 45 to 70 years) with incipient shoulder pain and limitation diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis due to SIRVA were evaluated between June 2021 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The passive range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder was measured by a goniometer. The applied treatment methods (medical treatment, physical therapy, intraarticular steroid injection, hydrodilatation, and suprascapular nerve block) were recorded. The patients were called in for control two months later. Visual Analog Scale scores and passive shoulder ROMs were reevaluated.

Results

Symptoms started after the second dose in nine (42.9%) patients. The mean time between vaccination and onset of complaints was 8.0±6.4 days. Sinovac vaccine was administered to eight patients, BioNTech vaccine was administered to five patients, and Sinovac+BioNTech vaccine was administered to eight patients. Baseline to control ROM angle changes were 128.8±30.4º to 155.0±20.6° for flexion, 117.1±37.8° to 147.1±26.4° for abduction, 45.9±17.8° to 61.9±12.6° for internal rotation, and 43.4±21.9° to 56.3±18.3° for external rotation, respectively. The mean VAS scores were 7.0±1.2 (5-9) at baseline and 2.7±1.0 (1-5) at the control. There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and control (two months after treatment) in terms of VAS scores and ROM angles (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of adhesive capsulitis following vaccine administration since a significant improvement can be obtained by proper treatment for SIRVA.

Chronic shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: a case report

BACKGROUND

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, defined as shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after administration in the upper arm, has been previously reported. The symptom resolved completely after treatment with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or an intraarticular steroid injection, however there have been few reports of long-term symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. This case report describes a healthy, middle-aged, healthcare worker who developed post-vaccination subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis that lasted for more than 6 months after Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old Japanese woman with no significant medical history was vaccinated in the standard site, with the needle direction perpendicular to the skin. Within a few hours after the second vaccination, severe shoulder pain and limited range of motion appeared. Although shoulder range of motion improved, her shoulder pain did not improved for several months, and she consulted an orthopedic doctor 5 months later. Radiographs of her left shoulder did not provide helpful diagnostic information. High intensity in the subacromial-subdeltoid space was seen on short TI inversion recovery of magnetic resonance imaging, showing subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis. She was diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The patient was started on an oral anti-inflammatory drug, and the left subacromial space was injected with 2.5 mg of betamethasone with 3 ml of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine every 2 weeks. One month after starting this treatment, since her shoulder pain had not improved, the oral anti-inflammatory drug was switched to tramadol hydrochloride acetaminophen. However, 3 months after switching medication, the shoulder pain continued, and she worked so as to have minimal impact on her shoulder.

CONCLUSION

A case of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis following a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine that lasted many months is reported. Injection technique is a modifiable risk factor, the adverse effects of which could potentially be mitigated with appropriate and relevant training of healthcare providers. To prevent this type of case, the appropriate landmark, needle length, and direction should be confirmed.

The prevalence and clinical course of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after COVID-19 vaccines in Dutch hospital workers

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) is a rare disorder characterized by persistent shoulder pain and limited range of motion presenting within 48 h after vaccine administration. With the widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the incidence of SIRVA is expected to rise. This sudden rise in vaccine administration presents an ideal opportunity to estimate the prevalence of SIRVA and to better characterize SIRVA.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of SIRVA following COVID-19 vaccine administration among hospital workers in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all hospital workers from a single non-academic hospital in the Netherlands. Respondents who had active SIRVA complaints were invited for an outpatient orthopaedic clinic assessment. Data was collected on participant characteristics and physical examination including assessment of active and passive range of motion (ROM). An ultrasound was performed to identify potential abnormalities.

RESULTS

32 out of 981 (3.3%) respondents reported shoulder pain with limited ROM occurring within 48 h after vaccine administration lasting for at least 7 days. Of these 32 respondents with SIRVA, 18 (56.2%) still reported active symptoms at the time of the survey. Clinical examination of 13 (72.2%) respondents with active SIRVA complaints showed limited glenohumeral ROM, limitations in activities of daily living and injection site pain. Twelve out of thirteen (92.3%) respondents with active SIRVA complaints showed abnormalities of the soft-tissue of the shoulder on ultrasound. Physiotherapy was the most common treatment modality for persistent SIRVA complaints (38.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of SIRVA is estimated at 3% in the adult working population. Signs and symptoms of SIRVA are variable in severity, localization and timing. Soft-tissue abnormalities is the most common clinical sign. This study contributes to clinician's knowledge on SIRVA, aiding in early recognition and treatment, which are imperative for prevention of persistent and severe shoulder pathology.

SIRVA: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a prolonged episode of shoulder dysfunction that commences within 24 to 48 hours of a vaccination. Symptoms include a combination of shoulder pain, stiffness, and weakness. There has been a recent rapid increase in reported cases of SIRVA within the literature, particularly in adults, and is likely related to the mass vaccination programmes associated with COVID-19 and influenza. The pathophysiology is not certain, but placement of the vaccination in the subdeltoid bursa or other pericapsular tissue has been suggested to result in an inflammatory capsular process. It has been hypothesized that this is associated with a vaccine injection site that is "too high" and predisposes to the development of SIRVA. Nerve conduction studies are routinely normal, but further imaging can reveal deep-deltoid collections, rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears, or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis. However, all of these are common findings within a general asymptomatic population. Medicolegal claims in the UK, based on an incorrect injection site, are unlikely to meet the legal threshold to determine liability.

Does COVID-19 vaccine exacerbate rotator cuff symptoms? A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a rare but increasing complication after vaccination. The aim of this study was to increase awareness of post-vaccination shoulder pain and to investigate the effect of the clinical condition of the shoulder before vaccination on the loss of function that may occur after vaccination.

METHODS

This prospective study included 65 patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with unilateral shoulder impingement and/or bursitis. The first vaccination was performed on the shoulders with rotator cuff symptoms, then the second vaccination was performed on healthy shoulders of same patients as soon as the health system allowed. Pre-vaccination MRI of the symptomatic shoulders of the patients was performed and VAS, ASES and Constant scores were evaluated. At 2 weeks after vaccination of the symptomatic shoulder, scores were reassessed. For the patients with changes in the scores, MRI was performed again and the treatment of all patients was started. A second vaccination was given to asymptomatic shoulders and the patients were recalled two weeks later and their scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

After vaccination, the symptomatic shoulder of 14 patients was affected. No clinical changes were observed in the asymptomatic shoulders after vaccination. The VAS scores of the symptomatic shoulders evaluated after vaccination were significantly higher than the scores evaluated before vaccination (p = 0.001). The ASES and Constant scores of symptomatic shoulders evaluated after vaccination were significantly decreased compared to the scores evaluated before vaccination (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Exacerbation of symptoms may occur if symptomatic shoulders are vaccinated. Before vaccination, a detailed anamnesis should be taken from the patients and vaccination should be performed to the asymptomatic side.

Adhesive Capsulitis Secondary to COVID-19 Vaccination - A Case Series

Introduction

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a group of pathologies defined by pain and stiffness after intramuscular administration of vaccine to the upper arm and has been reported after COVID-19 vaccination. We aim to discuss its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively identified patients presenting with adhesive capsulitis within four weeks of administration of COVID-19 vaccine to the affected arm at our tertiary institution from March 2021 to December 2022.

Result

Based on the above criteria, we identified seven cases of adhesive capsulitis, comprising one male and six female patients, with average age of 60 years. We present initial symptoms, signs and the duration from when the vaccine was administered. We have highlighted our treatment strategies as well as the clinical and functional outcomes reported by these patients after treatment. We have reported improvement in both Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) in all our patients after non-surgical management which included physiotherapy and, in some cases, hydrodilatation.

Conclusion

SIRVA related adhesive capsulitis is rare and under-reported with limited information in current literature. This study highlights that adhesive capsulitis is a potential complication arising from improper COVID-19 vaccine administration and reinforces traditional wisdom of administering vaccinations on the non-dominant arm. Conservative treatment strategies appear to be effective, particularly hydrodilatation combined with physiotherapy, and patients are expected to have a good return of function.

Acute myopericarditis and left shoulder capsulitis following second dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Moderna vaccination

Vaccination against mRNA SARS-CoV-2 has been administered on a very large scale and various side effects have been described. The increased risk of myopericarditis is known, and only a few cases of shoulder capsulitis have been reported after vaccination. These two pathologies have never been reported in the same patient after vaccination. Our article presents the history of a man in his 40s who presented with myopericarditis a few days after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with mRNA(Messenger RNA) Moderna® vaccine and who at the same time developed shoulder capsulitis. His cardiovascular symptoms resolved rapidly, and his shoulder symptoms improved/resolved within 1 year. This case should make physicians aware of the possibility of several concomitant side effects following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder induced by an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19: A case report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been widely used and have been shown to be effective in combating the pandemic. However, various side effects have been reported following vaccination. For instance, a condition called 'shoulder injury related to vaccine administration' (SIRVA) is characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion after intramuscular injection of a vaccine into the deltoid muscle of the shoulder. Despite an increase in SIRVA cases, the exact incidence of the disease is unclear, and there are a few reports of SIRVA about the COVID-19 vaccine. Here, we report a rare case of an 83-year-old woman who was diagnosed with calcification in her left shoulder 1 year ago and developed calcific tendinitis after receiving an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech). Radiographs showed calcification of the supraspinatus tendon, and magnetic resonance images showed continuous inflammatory findings from the subdeltoid bursa to the subacromial bursa. We treated the patient with celecoxib and acetaminophen, and she recovered after about 2 months. In order to prevent SIRVA, the presence of shoulder joint disease should be carefully asked during a pre-vaccination assessment. The puncture point should be chosen with the median point of the deltoid muscle or the anterior-posterior axillary line as landmarks because the more cephalad the puncture position, the greater the chance of causing SIRVA.

Assessment of multiple domains of pain following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

Pain at the injection site is the most frequent reaction among COVID-19 vaccine recipients, but its characteristics were not fully described yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate multiple domains of pain following BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination. We included 107 subjects undergoing primary shot of the vaccination twice into deltoid muscle with a 3-week interval. They completed 6 sessions of pain assessments, one before the first and second dose (1-0, 2-0), and 1st/7th day after the first and second dose (1-1/1-7, 2-1/2-7). Pain visual analog scale (VAS), pain distribution, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) on deltoid muscle were evaluated in each session. The mean VAS (at rest/shoulder motion) was 6.0/27.6 mm at 1-1, and 12.8/34.0 mm at 2-1. Approximately, 90% of recipients showed localized pain within the upper arm. Percentage change of PPTs at 1-1 and 2-1 was bilaterally (ipsilateral/contralateral) decreased to 87.4/89.4% and 80.6/91.0%, which was recovered to the baseline level at 1-7 and 2-7. Temporary, mild-to-moderate intensity, localized distribution, concomitant with bilateral mechanical hyperalgesia on the deltoid muscle, were typical pain characteristics following this vaccination. These findings provide a rationale that will be informative for future recipients. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 355-360, August, 2023.

New-onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review

AIM

To analyze the clinical patterns of new-onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID-19 vaccination among patients without pre-existing rheumatic or autoimmune diseases.

METHOD

Case reports and series of new-onset inflammatory arthritis after COVID-19 vaccination were collected before April 2022. Clinical characteristics including diagnosis, age, gender, vaccine types, time interval between events, joint involvement (poly- or oligo-/monoarthritis), and laboratory data reflecting inflammatory status were sorted and P values between these parameters are calculated with independent sample Student's t test or 2 × 2 Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Among 39 cases with new-onset post-vaccination arthritis including 25 females and 13 males (1 unknown), the most common diagnosis is adult-onset Still's disease (AoSD, 10 cases), and the most common vaccine types are BNT162b2 (16 cases) and AZD-1222 (or ChAdOx1-nCoV19, 15 cases). Sub-analysis reveals that post-vaccination polyarthritis is more common among females (P = .016, by 2 × 2 Fisher's exact test, compared with male patients) and older patients (P = .006, by Student's t test). The C-reactive protein level is significantly higher in cases with post-vaccination inflammatory polyarthritis than oligoarthritis (P = .029), as well as in cases with AoSD than other causes of post-vaccination arthritis (P = .004). However, serum level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with post-vaccination AoSD are independent of other clinical variables in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

New-onset post-vaccination polyarthritis are more common in females and older patients. Although COVID-19 vaccines may lead to inflammatory arthritis, the benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh the potential risks of such serious adverse effects due to their rarity.

Septic arthritis of shoulder joint following a COVID-19 vaccination: A case report

Introduction

Septic arthritis of the shoulder joint is a serious condition which requires early diagnosis and treatment. This condition usually presents with shoulder pain, limited range of motion and/or fever, and is diagnosed by shoulder arthrocentesis with significant synovial fluid leukocytosis or positive synovial fluid gram stain or culture. There are some risk factors for septic arthritis, notably bacteremia, pre-existing joint pathology and an immunocompromised host such as poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old Thai female developed left shoulder septic arthritis after an Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine administration. The clinical symptoms were left shoulder pain, limited range of motion and fever. The probable risk factors were underlying diabetes mellitus type II and vaccine administration technique. The joint fluid culture showed Staphylococcus aureus. This patient was treated with combined arthroscopic debridement and an intravenous antibiotic for 1 week which was then switched to an oral antibiotic for 5 weeks. Her clinical symptoms gradually improved over the 2 weeks following the initiation of treatment.

Conclusion

Septic arthritis is a rare complication after a vaccination. Doctors should be especially careful with immunocompromised patients, and always use a correct injection technique.

•

Septic arthritis of the shoulder should not be missed in the patient with shoulder pain after vaccination.

•

Even through the type II diabetes mellitus was well-controlled, the type II diabetes mellitus still placed her at extra risk of septic arthritis.

•

The other possible cause was the injection technique of the vaccination.

What Do We Know About Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration? An Updated Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is postulated to be an immune-mediated inflammatory response to a vaccine antigen injected into or near the subacromial bursae or synovium, leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The number of studies on this topic is rapidly increasing. Recent comparative studies have reported conflicting conclusions, which suggests that a systematic review of the best-available evidence may be helpful.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

In this systematic review, we asked: What are the (1) clinical characteristics, (2) diagnoses, and (3) management approaches and outcomes reported in association with SIRVA?

METHODS

A search was performed on October 4, 2021, of the PubMed and Medline databases for studies related to SIRVA. Inclusion criteria were English-language comparative studies, case series, and case reports that involved shoulder pain occurring after vaccination. Studies of exclusively neurologic conditions after vaccination were excluded. Forty-two studies met the eligibility criteria, including three retrospective comparative studies (72 patients and 105 controls), five database case series (2273 patients), and 34 case reports (49 patients). Study quality was assessed for the database case series and retrospective comparative studies using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool.

RESULTS

Among patients in the case reports, the median age was 51 years (range 15-90 years), and 73% (36 of 49) were women. BMI was reported for 24% of patients (12 of 49) in case reports, with a median of 23.5 kg/m2 (range 21-37.2 kg/m2). The most common symptoms were shoulder pain and reduced ROM. The most common diagnoses were shoulder bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, and rotator cuff tears. The most frequent management modalities included physical or occupational therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid injections, followed by surgery, which was generally used for patients whose symptoms persisted despite nonsurgical management. Full resolution of symptoms was reported in 2.9% to 56% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The association between inflammatory conditions of the shoulder (such as bursitis) and vaccination appears to be exceedingly rare, occurring after approximately 1:130,000 vaccination events according to the best-available comparative study. Currently, there is no confirmatory experimental evidence supporting the theory of an immune-mediated inflammatory response to vaccine antigens. Although the clinical evidence is limited, similar to any bursitis, typical treatments appear effective, and surgery should rarely be performed. Additional research is needed to determine the best injection technique or evaluate alternate injection sites such as the anterolateral thigh that do not involve positioning a needle close to the shoulder.

Shoulder Pain and Injury after COVID-19 Vaccination

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a term given to describe shoulder pain and dysfunction arising within 48 hours after vaccine administration and lasting for more than one week. While SIRVA is most commonly seen after influenza and tetanus vaccines, there have been a few recent case reports describing SIRVA-like symptoms after COVID-19 vaccine administration. Two patients presented to the shoulder surgeon's practice center with complaints of shoulder stiffness and pain following the COVID-19 vaccine. The first patient was a 33-year-old man; he presented within 2 days of onset of the pain and 14 days from the vaccine date. He had a complete restriction of shoulder motion (0° flexion, and no external or internal rotation) at presentation. This patient was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and rested in a sling for a week. The second patient was a 53-year-old woman; she presented with a 6-week duration of mild restriction of active shoulder motion and shoulder pain. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis. She was treated with subacromial steroid injection and range of motion shoulder exercises. Both patients recovered a near-normal range of motion recovery within a month, and their pain improved significantly. The main lessons from this case report were: (1) patients presenting with a recent increase in pain and acute loss of shoulder movements after vaccination may be managed conservatively with rest and NSAID medications and (2) in case of a subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in the MRI, subacromial injection of steroid may provide good pain relief.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) After COVID-19 Vaccination

Objective

The global fight against COVID-19 has required mass vaccination clinics as well as mass recruitment of personnel, including many who may not regularly administer intramuscular deltoid immunizations, potentially increasing the incidence of improper intramuscular injection. Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a well-described, preventable injury resulting from improper injection into anatomic structures adjacent to the deltoid muscle leading to mechanical and chemical trauma augmented by an inflammatory immune response to the vaccine and/or adjuvants. SIRVA is best described in the setting of influenza vaccination, and little is known about it as it pertains to COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to describe SIRVA in the current pandemic, increase clinician awareness, and offer considerations for prevention.

Methods

To identify clinical characteristics of patients with post-COVID-19-vaccination shoulder injuries, we performed a systematic review of the cases of vaccination-related shoulder injuries reported in the literature and conducted a review of the public Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Results

We identified 305 cases of SIRVA in the VAERS database and 28 cases of SIRVA in the setting of COVID-19 vaccination from the literature (n = 333). Patients had a mean age of 51.8 years and a median of 51.5 (range: 19–90) years. Of these, 76.3% were female and 23.7% male. Most patients sought medical evaluation with 54 of the 305 VAERS cases reporting utilizing emergency services. Of patients with imaging-confirmed SIRVA (n = 95), the most common diagnoses were adhesive capsulitis and bursitis, and the most common symptoms were pain (97.7%) and limited range of motion (68.1%). Most patients reported requiring treatment with the majority receiving physical therapy (56.3%), followed by cortisone injection (34.4%). Other modalities used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, and surgery. Only 5 patients from this group reported recovery while 60 stated they had not yet recovered. Of those, 23.3% reported disability.

Conclusion

SIRVA should be regarded as an under-reported, significant cause of post-vaccination morbidity. In the setting of COVID-19 mass vaccination, clinicians must be aware of signs and symptoms of SIRVA as well as appropriate diagnostic modalities and treatment options. Additionally, standardization and proper education regarding injection technique and appropriate needle length is imperative to reducing harm.

Shoulder Injury Related to COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: A Case Series

Background: A shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a vaccination complication that can affect daily life activities. To date, there have been no case series of patients diagnosed as SIRVA following a COVID-19 vaccination. We offer a series of seven SIRVA cases including clinical presentations, investigations and treatment outcomes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for seven patients who developed SIRVA following a COVID-19 vaccination between April 2021 and October 2021. All patients had no prior shoulder pain before their vaccination and then developed shoulder pain within a few days following the vaccination, which did not spontaneously improve within 1 week. Results: Four of the seven patients were male, and the average age was 62.29 ± 7.76 years. The average body mass index was 25.1 ± 2.2 kg/m². In all cases, the cause of the SIRVA was from an incorrect COVID-19 vaccine administration technique. Two patients developed shoulder pain immediately following the injection, one patient about 3 h after the injection, and the other four patients within the next few days. Two of the seven patients visited the orthopedic clinic after the persistent shoulder pain for 3 and 4 days and the other five patients 1–9 weeks following their injections. One of the seven patients was treated with combined intravenous antibiotic and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) because septic arthritis of the shoulder could not initially be ruled out, and recovered within 2 weeks. The other six patients had shoulder pain without acute fever, and five of them were treated with only oral prednisolone 30 mg/day for 5–10 days, following which the pain improved and they all could return to normal activities within 14 days, with no side effects from the prednisolone such as stomachache, nausea, vomiting, headache, or dizziness. Discussion and conclusion: In our series, the most common cause of SIRVA was an incorrect vaccination technique. Most patients responded well to oral NSAIDs or oral prednisolone. Clinical relevance: All SIRVAs were from an incorrect injection technique and not actually the vaccination, so our series highlights the importance of ensuring all vaccinators understand the importance of taking proper care with the injection technique. Additionally, most of our patients with SIRVA from a COVID-19 injection responded well to oral prednisolone (30 mg/day). If there are no contraindications, we suggest this as the first line treatment for COVID-19-related SIRVA.

Prolonged shoulder dysfunction after coronavirus disease vaccination: A case of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration

Shoulder pain is a common symptom after intramuscular vaccination. However, only a few cases of shoulder joint injury have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. A 52-year-old woman experienced clinically significant pain in the left shoulder joint after receiving the first dose of a coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. She neglected the shoulder pain, hoping that it would spontaneously improve without medical attention. However, the pain continued with obvious limitations in shoulder movement and function. After 8 months, she presented to the outpatient clinic with a frozen left shoulder. Such rare consequences of vaccinations, known as shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, can be prevented by using an appropriate needle gauge and length according to the patient’s sex and weight with the correct injection site away from shoulder structures.

Frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination

Background

The data on frozen shoulder and shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination are absent from the literature. Hence, the purpose of this case series was to describe the clinical presentation and short-term follow-up of patients who developed frozen shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

In the present study, 10 patients (9 women and 1 man) with a mean age of 53 ± 8 years (range, 43-68 years) who presented to the shoulder surgeon’s practice center with painful stiffness of the shoulder after COVID-19 vaccination between June 1 and September 30, 2021, were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

All 10 patients had normal radiographs and were diagnosed as frozen shoulder. Eight patients (80%) had a comorbidity during presentation (4 patients with hypothyroidism, 3 patients with diabetes mellitus, and 1 patient with prediabetes/hyperglycemia). Symptoms developed immediately after the vaccination in 6 patients (60%), at 48 hours in 1 patient (10%), and at 10 days in 3 patients (30%). The mean pain visual analog scale score was 6.5 ± 1.9 (range, 2.5-8), and both active and passive range of motion were limited in all the patients at the time of presentation.

Conclusion

The musculoskeletal specialists who will see such patients with painful shoulder stiffness should be aware of the frozen shoulder diagnosis, which can occur after COVID-19 vaccination, so that such patients can be identified and treated early.

Subacromial Bursa: A Neglected Tissue Is Gaining More and More Attention in Clinical and Experimental Research

The subacromial bursa has long been demolded as friction-reducing tissue, which is often linked to shoulder pain and, therefore, partially removed during shoulder surgery. Currently, the discovery of the stem cell potential of resident bursa-derived cells shed a new light on the subacromial bursa. In the meanwhile, this neglected tissue is gaining more attention as to how it can augment the regenerative properties of adjacent tissues such as rotator cuff tendons. Specifically, the tight fibrovascular network, a high growth factor content, and the large progenitor potential of bursa-derived cells could complement the deficits that a nearby rotator cuff injury might experience due to the fact of its low endogenous regeneration potential. This review deals with the question of whether bursal inflammation is only a pain generator or could also be an initiator of healing. Furthermore, several experimental models highlight potential therapeutic targets to overcome bursal inflammation and, thus, pain. More evidence is needed to fully elucidate a direct interplay between subacromial bursa and rotator cuff tendons. Increasing attention to tendon repair will help to guide future research and answer open questions such that novel treatment strategies could harvest the subacromial bursa's potential to support healing of nearby rotator cuff injuries.