Is there a short-term benefit from an intra-articular steroid injection in female patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder treated with physiotherapy?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the possible short-term benefit of a single intra-articular corticosteroid injection in those patients treated with physiotherapy when compared to a group of patients undergoing physiotherapy only (PT only).

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify eligible patients treated over a 4-year period. All female patients between 40 years and 60 years with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis who completed a prescribed physiotherapy program were considered eligible. Sixty-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but 22 were excluded because of missing data in the medical record. The remaining 41 patients comprise the study cohort; an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist assessed these patients both at initial presentation and at 12 weeks. Twenty patients with a mean age of 55.1 years underwent PT only and 21 patients with a mean age of 52.4 years received a single intra-articular dose of 40 mg methylprednisolone followed by physiotherapy. Outcome measures included the visual analogue scale (VAS) and measurement of range of motion.

RESULTS:

At final assessment (12 weeks), significant between-group differences were identified for the 'PT only' group for flexion ( p = 0.01) and abduction ( p = 0.008). When comparing the mean change from the initial assessment, a significant between-group difference was observed for abduction ( p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that the intra-articular injection of a single dose of cortisone has no significant short-term benefit in female patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis managed with physiotherapy.

• Authors: Krishna Kumar, Ancy Thomas, Kevin Tetsworth, Erik Hohmann
• Journal: Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong) (J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong)) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 2309499017690463 (01 2017) ISSN: 2309-4990 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28211290 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bursitis (drug therapy)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Injections, Intra-Articular
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Retrospective Studies
• Shoulder Joint