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Shoulder Hydrodilatation For Adhesive Capsulitis “Frozen Shoulder”
Available to patients over 18 only
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a common condition affecting the shoulder, causing it to become very painful and stiff. It is when the capsule surrounding the joint becomes thickened and inflamed which causes pain and limits the normal range of shoulder movement.
Primary frozen shoulder is idiopathic, which means the underlying cause is unclear. Secondary frozen shoulder has often been attributed to diabetes, previous trauma or a history of cardiovascular disease. The condition is self-limiting and can usually resolve without treatment, butte natural course can take between 12 to 42months.
How do you diagnose Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a clinical diagnosis based upon symptoms and clinical examination. However, an x-ray of the shoulder is usually required to exclude other causes of shoulder pain.
What are the treatment options?
Conservative management: Medication for pain relief Shoulder movement and exercise. A physiotherapist can help guide as to which exercises are best.
Interventional management: Steroid injections for pain relief
If the above has not helped and stiffness is an issue, you could be referred for an ultrasound guided shoulder hydrodilatation procedure.
What does hydrodilatation involve?
A needle is used to apply local anaesthetic to the area, usually the back of the shoulder, followed by injection of a large volume of fluid into the joint to help stretch the joint capsule and improve the range of movement. Sometimes a steroid injection can also be given at the same time to help reduce inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy is essential after the procedure in order to aid the recovery process.
Please note that we are unable to perform the hydrodilatation procedure if you are on an anticoagulant. This would need to be discussed with your referrer first.
Risks of shoulder hydrodilatation?
Shoulder Hydrodilatation is a safe procedure as ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to minimise risk. The injection is also performed in an aseptic manner using sterile equipment.
However, there is a small risk of infection(approximately 1 in 10, 000) following an injection. If you experience symptoms such as unexpected pain, warmth or redness around the area or develop a temperature, you should immediately consult your GP or attend A&E. Please explain that you have recently had an injection, as this could potentially be serious.
Other risks include: Minor bruising at site of injection, damage to surrounding vessels or nerves, failure of the procedure. Side effects of steroid include: worsening of pain, facial flushing, small risk of skin de-pigmentation or dimpling, at site of injection and possible changes to the menstrual cycle. Diabetic patients may experience a temporary increase in sugar levels.
Post Procedure Care
The local anaesthetic will last between 4-6 hours and the area may start to feel uncomfortable and heavy afterwards. We advise caution of the affected shoulder for 48 hours with no heavy or overhead lifting.
We advise arranging a friend or close family member to accompany you in clinic or drive you home afterwards. It is also important that you have physiotherapy arranged as soon as possible after the procedure.
