GLENOHUMERAL CHONDROLYSIS FOLLOWING INTRA-ARTICULAR INJECTION OF METHYLENE BLUE

To investigate the significance of a cluster of cases of glenohumeral chondrolysis occuring following the intra-articular injection of methylene blue to assess rotator cuff integrity during open anterior acromioplasty. All cases of acromioplasty during the period 1999 to 2004 were reviewed to determine the incidence of chondrolysis with and without methylene blue injection. There was a significantly higher incidence of chondrolysis following intra-articular injection of methylene blue. The association of intra-articular methylene blue with chondrolysis has not been previously described in the literature. We conclude that methylene blue should not be used for intra-articular injection.