Good results after fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular injections in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

The purpose of the present study was the prospective evaluation of the results of fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular cortisone injection series in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Twenty-five patients (9 m, 16 w) with a mean age of 49 ± 8 years and stage II frozen shoulder syndrome according to the Reeves classification were treated with an intra-articular cortisone injection series (3 injections at 0, 4, 12, weeks). Clinical examination, ASES score and SF 36 score were performed at 0, 4, 8, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months. In the results, significant improvements were seen in flexion (99 ± 30°–119 ± 31°, P < .0001), abduction (72 ± 24–99 ± 34°, P < .0001), external rotation (14 ± 16°–28 ± 21°, P < .0001) and internal rotation already at first follow-up after 4 weeks of treatment. The results were confirmed at any other follow-up. ASES score improved from 28 ± 13 to 45 ± 18 after 4 weeks (P < .0001), 59 ± 21 after 8 weeks (P < .0001), 63 ± 25 at 3 months (P < .0001), 64 ± 28 (P < .0001) at 6 months and 73 ± 27 (P < .0001) points at final follow-up after 1 year. Evaluation of the SF-36 Score showed significant improvements in almost all categories (physical and mental) after 4 weeks of treatment (P < .05). In conclusion, a fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular injection series of cortisone is an effective treatment option in frozen shoulder syndrome leading to a fast pain reduction and increased range motion.