Publication:

Comparison of functional outcome of ultrasound guided glenohumeral and subacromial methylprednisolone acetate injections in frozen shoulder

Background Frozen shoulder also known as adhesive capsulitis is a common cause for limitation of motion and pain of the shoulder joint with an incidence of 2-5% in the general population. The aim of the study was to assess the functional outcome of ultrasound guided glenohumeral and subacromial methylprednisolone acetate steroid injection in patients with frozen shoulder.

Methods 120 patients with frozen shoulder were randomly divided into 2 groups according to site i.e. glenohumeral and subacromial. Ultrasound-guided methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg) injection was administered. At follow up pain was being measured using VAS scale and functional outcome was measured using the DASH score and Constant score at day 0, 1 followed by 1, 3, 6 weeks and  at 3 months.

Results The VAS score of glenohumeral decreased from 6.5±0.95 to 2.25±0.86 at 3 months and in subacromial it decreased from 6.37±1.07 to 2.3±0.72. DASH score in glenohumeral group decreased from 66.95±9.9 to 27.45±9.31 at 3 months and in the subacromial group it decreased from 67.52±10.65 to 26.81±11.14 at 3 months. In glenohumeral group Constant score increased from 46.63±7.18 to 72.66±7.38 at 3 months and in the subacromial group it increased from 47.92±6.91 to 70.28±6.97 at 3 months.

Conclusions Spontaneous recovery does not necessarily occur even after a long period, so we recommend that these modalities should be offered to all patients with frozen shoulder and it would be of more value if carried out at an early stage of the disorder.