Effect of manipulation technique using ultrasound‐guided cervical nerve root block on range of motion at the shoulder joint in frozen shoulder: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) at the shoulder joint before and after silent manipulation. Methods This retrospective study included all patients who underwent silent manipulation at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017. In total, 1,665 shoulders in 1,610 patients (519 men, 1,146 women; mean age 55.4 ± 8.8 years) were treated during the study period. The mean symptom duration was 6.6 ± 7.1 months. ROM at the shoulder joint was measured in flexion, abduction, and external rotation before silent manipulation and at 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 months after the procedure. Results Mean ROM at the shoulder was 98.8° (95% confidence interval [CI] 97.9–99.8) before silent manipulation and 155.5° (154.1–156.8) after 3 months in flexion (p = 0.0000), 75.6° (74.5–76.8) and 152.9° (151.0–154.9), respectively, in abduction (p = 0.0000), and 12.7° (12.0–13.4) and 45.9° (44.4–47.4) in external rotation (p = 0.0000). All ROM values were significantly increased at all time points after the procedure. There were no unanticipated adverse events or serious adverse reactions. Conclusions This study reports on the efficacy and safety of manipulation using conduction anesthesia for shoulder contractures in a large group of patients. Silent manipulation can increase ROM at the shoulder safely and effectively.

Keywords

• Silent manipulation
• Frozen shoulder
• Ultrasound‐guided cervical nerve root block
• Adhesion