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Comparative functional outcomes of patients with adhesive capsulitis receiving intra-articular versus sub-acromial steroid injections: case–control study

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Abstract

Purpose

This is a prospective case–control study comparing short- and medium-term outcomes between sub-acromial and gleno-humeral corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis.

Methods

The study population consisted of 105 patients (33 males, 72 females; mean age, 56.1 years). They were divided into three groups: (1) patients receiving 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate as intra-articular injection (n = 35) followed by physical therapy; (2) patients receiving 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate as sub-acromial injection (n = 35) followed by physical therapy; (3) patients receiving only physical therapy (heat, passive stretching exercises and wall climbing) and no injections (n = 35). Functional outcome scores (Constant shoulder score and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index), visual analogue scale for pain and range of motion of shoulder joint were noted at 3, 6 and 12 weeks and 6 months.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores in group 1 and 2 at 3, 6, 12 weeks and 6 months compared to that before the injections. There was no statistically significant improvement in the group 3 at 3 and 6 weeks, but improvement was noticed at 12 weeks and 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS, CS score, SPADI and ROM between groups 1 and 2 at 3, 6, 12 weeks and 6 months. These scores were significantly better in group 1 and 2 compared to group 3 at 3, 6, 12, weeks and 6 months.

Conclusions

Corticosteroid injections into the sub-acromial space and into the gleno-humeral joint produce similar results in terms of pain relief and improvement in function in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Virbhadra Marg, Rishikesh, 248201, India

    T. Goyal, A. Singh, P. Negi & B. Kharkwal

Authors
  1. T. Goyal
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  2. A. Singh
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  3. P. Negi
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  4. B. Kharkwal
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Correspondence to T. Goyal.

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Goyal, T., Singh, A., Negi, P. et al. Comparative functional outcomes of patients with adhesive capsulitis receiving intra-articular versus sub-acromial steroid injections: case–control study. Musculoskelet Surg 103, 31–35 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-018-0538-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-018-0538-8

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