Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodistention with Corticosteroid Instillation in Glenohumeral Joint for Relief in Frozen Shoulder: A Case Series

The frozen shoulder (FS) also known as adhesive capsulitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability. It is marked by pain and limitation of movement resulting in progressive deterioration of quality of life. Although a few patients with an FS recover without any intervention, the majority of patients have persistent pain with or without movement restriction. Ultrasound (USG)-guided hydrodistension of the shoulder joint is an upcoming mode of treatment for FS which can theoretically lead to pain relief, functional improvement, and a better quality of life, especially if combined with the anti-inflammatory effects of intra-articular corticosteroids. Here, we are presenting our experience with USG-guided hydrodistention of the shoulder joint along with intra-articular corticosteroid in cases of FS both in terms of objective indices of shoulder functionality and subjective outcomes of pain. Eight patients who presented to the outpatient department of pain medicine in our hospital having FS (stage 2/3) were selected. Outcome measures included pain score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Visual Analogue Scale, and range of movement. Data were collected at baseline, as well as at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months. We performed hydrodistension with 30 ml of volume constituted by adding lignocaine and triamcinolone acetate to normal saline immediately, followed by physiotherapy of the shoulder joint and cryotherapy. We found promising results with all our patients both in the short term as well as long term with both SPADI and QuickDASH scores as well as the range of motion of the shoulder joint improving significantly in all eight patients at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. This improvement notably persisted in all the patients when reassessed at 6 months indicating a long-term benefit of the intervention.