Treatment of frozen shoulder by distension and manipulation under local anaesthesia

We report the results of hydraulic distension of the glenohumeral joint with manipulation using local anaesthesia and radiographic control in 24 frozen shoulders in 22 patients. In a prospective study, the pre- and postoperative range of movement in 3 planes was measured by an electronic digital inclinometer. At 3 months, the range compared with the unaffected shoulder was abduction 93%, glenohumeral abduction 84%, forward flexion 94%, backward extension 96%, internal rotation 75% and external rotation 73%. The procedure was repeated once in 3 patients. One also had a manipulation under general anaesthesia and was classed as a failure. The subjective outcome was good in all the other patients. This investigation shows that the technique is safe, reliable and effective treatment for frozen shoulder.