The Efficacy of Shoulder Hydro Dilatation in Treating Adhesive Capsulitis: A Comprehensive Review with Ultrasonographic Guidance

Author(s): Nadim Kamal, MA Shakoor, Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury, Abul Kalam Azad, Nadia Rahman, Badrunnesa Ahmed, Mohammad Golam Nobi, Imamur Rashid

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a debilitating condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder motion. Ultrasound-guided shoulder hydro dilatation has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective treatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided hydro dilatation in improving pain, function, and range of motion in Bangladeshi patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 2024 to January 2025. A total of 80 patients with clinically diagnosed adhesive capsulitis underwent ultrasound-guided shoulder hydrodilatation using corticosteroid, saline, and local anesthetic. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder range of motion (ROM) was measured in degrees. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment.

Results: The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 7.8 ± 1.1 at baseline to 3.2 ± 1.0 at 1 month and 1.6 ± 0.9 at 3 months (p < 0.001). SPADI scores improved from 78.2 ± 6.5 to 24.3 ± 5.2 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Significant gains were observed in shoulder ROM across all measured planes (p < 0.001). At 3 months, 87.5% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided hydro dilatation is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for adhesive capsulitis, demonstrating significant improvements in pain relief, mobility, and patient satisfaction in the Bangladeshi population.