Effectiveness of hydraulic distension of shoulder in the management of frozen shoulder

Abstract

Frozen shoulder is a chronic fibrosing condition of capsule of shoulder joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hydraulic distension in the treatment of frozen shoulder. 50 Patients with 54 shoulders of frozen shoulder syndrome were treated with hydraulic distension and steroid under local anesthesia from July 2014 to August 2016.Various parameters like pain, range of movements (ROM) and function of shoulder were assessed on predistension, post distension and at 6 weeks follow up. Results were graded as excellent, good, fair, and poor based on above parameters. During post distension period, 4% of the patients had excellent results, 44% good results, 46% fair results and 14% had poor results. At follow up, 38% had excellent results, 52% had good results, 16% had fair results and 2% had poor results. Hydraulic distension is a safe, reliable, cost effective procedure without requiring specialized equipments in the management of frozen shoulder.