A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Efficacy of Electrotherapy to Ultrasound - Guided Intra-Articular Steroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder
Background: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a disabling condition marked by pain and restricted range of motion (ROM). This study compares the effectiveness of electrotherapy (ET) and ultrasound-guided intra-articular steroid injections (UG-IASI), two common non-operative treatments. Materi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Indian Orthopaedic Research Group
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/08/01/a-prospective-randomized-study-comparing-the-efficacy-of-electrotherapy-to-ultrasound-guided-intra-articular-steroid-injections-for-frozen-shoulder/ |
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| Summary: | Background:
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a disabling condition marked by pain and restricted range of motion (ROM). This study compares the effectiveness of electrotherapy (ET) and ultrasound-guided intra-articular steroid injections (UG-IASI), two common non-operative treatments.
Materials and Methods:
In this prospective, randomized trial, 60 patients with unilateral Frozen shoulder were assigned to either ET (n = 30) or UG-IASI (n = 30). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and ROM measurements. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects models and subgroup analysis for diabetes.
Results:
UG-IASI resulted in significantly greater SPADI and ROM improvements than ET at 1, 3, and 6 months (P < 0.05). By 1 year, the difference was no longer significant. UG-IASI showed notable gains in abduction and flexion. Diabetic patients experienced reduced improvements across both groups.
Conclusion:
UG-IASI provides superior early and mid-term outcomes in pain relief and shoulder function compared to ET. While long-term differences narrow, early intervention with UG-IASI supports faster recovery. A tailored approach, considering comorbidities and patient needs, is recommended for optimal care. |
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| ISSN: | 2250-0685 2321-3817 |