Distension Arthrography in Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

Distension arthrography under fluoroscopic control may be useful in frozen shoulder syndrome. The technique consists of an intra-articular injection of 2 to 3 mL of contrast material, 3 mL of 2% lidocaine, 1.5 mL of cortivazol, and distension of the joint capsule with 30 to 40 mL of refrigerated sterile saline solution. This injection is immediately followed by a physiotherapy program. The authors report their experience of distension arthography in 30 shoulders. Results were good to very good in 90% of cases at 40-day follow-up. No recurrence of a frozen shoulder syndrome was observed and no complications were encountered in this series.