BACKGROUND: The management of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is controversial. The authors present a prospective randomized study comparing the outcome, at a two-year follow-up period, of two groups of patients treated either by manipulation of the shoulder under anaesthetic or by intra-articular shoulder injections using steroid with distension. METHODS:Fifty-three patients suffering from Idiopathic "Primary" Frozen Shoulder were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups and followed up for two years from the start of treatment. Patients were assessed using the Constant score, a Visual Analogue Score, and the SF36 questionnaire. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between the two groups of patients with regards to the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Treatment using steroid injections with distension as an out-patient is therefore recommended for the treatment of Idiopathic "Primary" Frozen Shoulder. This has the same clinical outcome as a manipulation under anaesthetic with less attendant risks.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: The management of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is controversial. The authors present a prospective randomized study comparing the outcome, at a two-year follow-up period, of two groups of patients treated either by manipulation of the shoulder under anaesthetic or by intra-articular shoulder injections using steroid with distension. METHODS: Fifty-three patients suffering from Idiopathic "Primary" Frozen Shoulder were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups and followed up for two years from the start of treatment. Patients were assessed using the Constant score, a Visual Analogue Score, and the SF36 questionnaire. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between the two groups of patients with regards to the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Treatment using steroid injections with distension as an out-patient is therefore recommended for the treatment of Idiopathic "Primary" Frozen Shoulder. This has the same clinical outcome as a manipulation under anaesthetic with less attendant risks.
Authors: Stephen Brealey; Matthew Northgraves; Lucksy Kottam; Ada Keding; Belen Corbacho; Lorna Goodchild; Cynthia Srikesavan; Saleema Rex; Charalambos P Charalambous; Nigel Hanchard; Alison Armstrong; Andrew Brooksbank; Andrew Carr; Cushla Cooper; Joseph Dias; Iona Donnelly; Catherine Hewitt; Sarah E Lamb; Catriona McDaid; Gerry Richardson; Sara Rodgers; Emma Sharp; Sally Spencer; David Torgerson; Francine Toye; Amar Rangan Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-12 Impact factor: 4.014