Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: the rate of manipulation following distension arthrogram

To determine the rate of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) following distension arthrogram for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Thirty-nine patients (42 shoulders) between 1998 and 2004 were treated with distension arthrogram for adhesive capsulitis diagnosed by the clinical picture of progressive pain and stiffness. Capsular disruption into the subscapular bursa was demonstrated in 40 of the 42 shoulders (95%). Thirty-seven of 42 (88%) shoulders were painfree following distension arthrogram. 15 of 42 (36%) shoulders underwent MUA following distension arthrogram for stiffness although 10 of these (67%) were painfree. Prior to distension arthrogram, the range of external rotation (ER) was no different between those that had MUA and those that did not (P = 0.36). The improvement in ER was 33% (P = 0.28) in those that had MUA and 50% (P = 0.001) in those that did not. The only complication was a vasovagal episode during the procedure. Distension arthrogram can be used as a therapeutic procedure for achieving symptomatic pain relief in the majority of adhesive capsulitis and decrease the rate of MUA of the shoulder.