A team approach to adhesive capsulitis with ultrasound guided hydrodilatation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) causes shoulder pain and limited range of motion. While ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation, and physical therapy are effective individually, their combined use is not well-studied.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effect and safety of combining ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation, and physical therapy on range of motion and pain, comparing diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort; Level of Evidence 3.

METHODS

150 patients (30-75 years) with AC received ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation with corticosteroid injection, and subsequent physical therapy. Baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, active forward flexion, and external rotation range of motion were measured using a goniometer. At 3 months post-procedure, range of motion and pain were reevaluated.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in active forward flexion (median improvement of 25 degrees) and external rotation (median improvement of 19 degrees) were observed at 3 months (p < 0.001). No complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Combining ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation, and physical therapy is safe, effective, and improves pain, flexion, and external rotation range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis.