Objective: To determine and compare the efficacies of sodium hyaluronate injections and local modalities in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.
 

Materials and Methods: Patients (n=50) were treated with subacromial injections of sodium hyaluronate (n=25) once weekly for 3 weeks or a daily program of local modalities (n=25) for 2 weeks. Response to treatment was evaluated with the items of function in the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Basic Shoulder Evaluation Form and pain, activities of daily living and ranges of motion in the Constant-Murley Scale. Patients were questioned about night pain and their global impressions of the treatment. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and weeks 1 and 5 after treatment.
 

Results: Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Basic Shoulder Evaluation Form and Constant-Murley Scale scores of both groups were significantly improved at week 1 and 5 compared to baseline (p<0.05). Comparison of the scores demonstrated an insignificant difference between the two types of treatment (p>0.05). Night pain was reduced effectively by both treatments, with no significant difference between the groups. The majority of patients reported that they benefited from the treatment and results were similar in both groups. No side effects were observed. 
 

Conclusion: Sodium hyaluronate injections and local modalities have been found to be similarly effective. Either one of these methods may be included in a treatment program for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.