Outcome of manipulation under anaesthesia in adhesive capsulitis patients

Frozen shoulder although considered self remitting disease causes significant level of pain and stiffness. This study was planned to determine the immediate outcome of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) in patients with adhesive capsulitis in terms of gain of range of movement (ROM) and pain relief. Diagnosed cases of adhesive capsulitis (30 in number), who had symptoms of pain and stiffness lasting more than 2 months eventually underwent MUA. They were interviewed immediately before and after MUA to check the difference in pain intensity and ROM. All the subjects had significant improvement (p < 0.001) in range of motion in flexion followed by abduction and medial rotation. Least improvement (mean 2.06 / n=30) was observed in range of movement in external rotation. Significant decrease (p < 0.001) in pain intensity from mean intensity of 3.66 to 2.1 was seen. Hence, MUA is treatment indicated for those who are not responding to conservative methods of treatments.