Manipulation under anesthesia for frozen shoulder with and without steroid injection.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of manipulating a shoulder with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) under anesthesia with and without corticosteroid injection.

DESIGN

Randomized trial.

SETTING

Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four patients referred for manipulation of a frozen shoulder.

INTERVENTION: The patients were randomized into 2 groups. One group received an injection of corticosteroid and manipulation; the other was only administered manipulation during anesthesia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The degree of shoulder mobility and pain before and after the manipulation.

RESULTS

Manipulation under anesthesia increased the mobility of the affected shoulder. Injection with lidocaine and betamethason did not enhance the effect of the manipulation.

CONCLUSION

Manipulation under anesthesia without intraarticular corticosteroids is recommended as the therapy for frozen shoulder.