Authors' objectives: To determine whether there is any evidence to support the efficacy and/or effectiveness of SportVis™ as treatment for subacromial bursitis.

Authors' results and conclusions: The same search strategy from the original systematic review (2021) was used to search articles in the same databases. In total, 33 publications were selected for title/ abstract review. The limited available studies show various methodological concerns, such as small sample sizes, high heterogeneity, inconsistent injection protocols (e.g., single vs. multiple injections, differing dosages and injection techniques), reliance on within-group rather than between-group comparisons, and unadjusted multiple comparisons. Overall, injection treatments, including placebo saline, tended to show similar clinical outcomes, with no substantial differences. Future studies with higher methodological quality and inclusion of non-invasive comparators (e.g., physical therapy or exercise programs) may help clarify the role of injection as a mechanical intervention, regardless of the substance used. Currently, the evidence on the efficacy or effectiveness of SportVis® (a hyaluronic acid solution injection) for treating subacromial bursitis, ankle sprain, and lateral epicondylitis remains inconclusive.

Authors' methods: A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted on September 2, 2021. The search was done on commercial medical literature databases using a combination of keywords. No limitations, such as on the language or year of publication, were implemented in any of these searches. A manual search was also conducted on the references of articles that were retrieved in full.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/research-services/evidence-based-medicine-and-systematic-reviews

Year Published: 2025

URL for published report: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-care-providers/guides/efficacy-effectiveness-of-sportvis-as-treatment-for-subacromial-bursitis?lang=en&origin=s&returnurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worksafebc.com%2Fen%2Fforms-resources%23sort%3DDate%26q%3DEfficacy%2520and%2520or%2520Effectiveness%2520of%2520SportVis%2520as%2520Treatment%2520for%2520Subacromial%2520Bursitis%2520-%25202025%2520Update%26f%3Alanguage-facet%3D%5BEnglish%5D%26tags%3DGuide%7C2d7eb4b30f6a4a319e0d40565c9abbab%2CHealth%2520Care%2520Provider%7C13468b0b3f074f6bade3f57ac3cdfb8e%2CSystematic%2520Review%7Cf78c29d570c14ec3b5a394385905df70&highlight=Efficacy%20and%20or%20Effectiveness%20of%20SportVis%20as%20Treatment%20for%20Subacromial%20Bursitis%20-%202025%20Update

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Mini HTA

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: WorkSafeBC

Contact Address: 6591 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC, V7C 1C6 Canada. Tel: 604-231-8417; Fax: 604-279-7698

Contact Name: ebpg@worksafebc.com

Contact Email: ebpg@worksafebc.com

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