Effects of repeated distension arthrographies combined with a home exercise program among adults with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of repeated distension arthrographies combined with a home exercise program on impairments and disability of the upper limb in subjects with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.


METHODS
A total of 15 subjects with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis participated in the study. Intervention consisted of three distension arthrographies with steroid, done at 3-wk intervals, and a home exercise program. The repeated-measures design included five clinical evaluations with disability, pain, range of motion, and pain-free static strength outcomes. Two evaluations done before the first arthrography verified the stability of the condition.


RESULTS
There was a significant improvement of all outcomes at the end of intervention. The greatest effects occurred after the first distension arthrography. After the second, less marked, albeit significant, changes were observed in three motions of the shoulder and in the pain level. After the third distension arthrography, very small changes were noted. A comparison between sides revealed incomplete recovery of the range of motion on the affected side.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings showed that two distension arthrographies with steroid combined with a home exercise program reduce shoulder disability and impairments. Adding a third distension arthrography does not seem to provide any further benefit.
Piotte
France
F
Ecole de réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Gravel
Denis
D
Moffet
Hélène
H
Fliszar
Evelyne
E
Roy
André
A
Nadeau
Sylvie
S
Bédard
Danielle
D
Roy
Guylaine
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography; D002062:Bursitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019233:Retreatment; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*