The Success Rate of Posterior Approach Glenohumeral Injection in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Accuracy of injection in patient with adhesive capsulitis may significantly affect the clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of posterior approach glenohumeral injection in patients with adhesive capsulitis. METHOD: Twenty-two patients who were clinically diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled. They had sustained pain and limitation of motion in shoulder in spite of medication and physical therapy for at least 2 months and no history of trauma. Patients were received by a posterior approach glenohumeral injection of 2 ml radiographic contrast. Radiograph of the shoulder joint was taken immediately after the injection to determine success of the intra-articular injection. RESULTS: 5 of the 22 procedures (22.7%) were judged to be accurately placed and in the others the contrast media was observed in the muscular and subcutaneous tissues. CONCLUSION: This study showed that posterior approach glenohumeral injection in adhesive capsulitis was a difficult procedure. The low success rate of posterior approach glenohumeral injection in adhesive capsulitis would lead to repetitive injection and side-effect of corticosteroid. We consider fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular injection in adhesive capsulitis rather than posterior approach glenohumeral injection to increase the accuracy of intra-articular injection.