Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: A case series

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a painful and debilitating condition of the glenohumeral joint and has been described as self-limiting. However, recent reports suggest that up to 40% of patients report persistent symptoms, therefore intervention strategies are needed to improve function and quality of life. One such intervention is the hydrodilatation of the glenohumeral joint with a high-volume injection, comprising of local anaesthetic, corticosteroid and normal saline, making a total volume of up to 40 ml. This service evaluation assessed the outcomes in 28 patients (23 females and 5 males; mean age 54.29 years) with AC who underwent ultrasound-guided (USG) hydrodilatation in a clinical outpatient setting. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain and all shoulder movements (all changes p value < 0.01). No adverse effects were encountered. Therefore, the USG glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation procedure in a clinical outpatient setting is a safe and effective intervention for AC.