[Distention arthrography in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder]

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is an idiopathic condition characterized clinically by pain and limitation of movement. The characteristic arthrographic features are those of limited capacity of the joint, pain during injection, and retracted recesses. Progressive distension of the capsule with 1% lidocaine and 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) is a recommended form of treatment for this condition. Twenty-five patients treated by this method were reviewed retrospectively. Eleven (44%) were completely relieved of their symptoms, 6 (24%) had a 50% improvement, and 8 (32%) had no relief. Patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis responded more favorably to the treatment than those with a traumatic etiology. The duration of symptoms had no correlation with the results of therapy. There were no complications from the treatment.