The outcomes of mobilization under continuous interscalene block versus mobilization and intraarticular steroid injection in frozen shoulder

Abstract

Background: Painless and early aggressive mobilization of the shoulder can give good outcomes in a frozen shoulder (FS).Objectives: Our objective is to compare the early and late clinical and functional outcomes of mobilization under continuous interscalene block (CISB) and mobilization and intraarticular steroid injection (IASI) and to determine the effect of the addition of IASI on mobilization and CISB in adults with FS.Methods: We conducted a prospective comparative study. Participants were divided into 3 groups of 20 patients. The allocation was performed by simple randomization. The primary outcomes of pain and patient satisfaction were assessed using VAS scores. Outcome measures such as pain, patient satisfaction, range of motion, and UCLA scores within the groups were assessed.Results: The majority of patients were females. There was a significant improvement in early pain relief and range of motion in patients treated using mobilization under CISB. The late functional outcomes were similar in all groups irrespective of the method of treatment. The IASI had no significant effect on the early or late outcomes of mobilization under CISB.Conclusion: Mobilization under CISB provides early pain relief, improvement in the range of movements, and good long-term functional outcomes in frozen shoulders. IASI does not affect early pain relief or improvement in the range of movements.

Keywords

• frozen shoulder
• periarthritis shoulder
• interscalene block
• intraarticular steroid injection
• manipulation under analgesia