Hydrodilatation (distension arthrography): a long-term clinical outcome series.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and compare the medium to long-term effectiveness of hydrodilatation and post-hydrodilatation physiotherapy in patients with primary and secondary glenohumeral joint contracture associated with rotator cuff pathology.


METHODS
Patients with primary and secondary glenohumeral contractures associated with rotator cuff pathology were recruited into a 2-year study. They all underwent hydrodilatation, followed by a structured physiotherapy programme. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years after hydrodilatation with primary outcome measures (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Shoulder Disability Index and percentage rating of "normal" function; SD%) and secondary outcome measures (range of shoulder abduction, external rotation and hand behind back). Comparisons in recovery were made between the primary and secondary glenohumeral contracture groups at all timeframes and for all outcome measures.


RESULTS
A total of 53 patients (23 with primary and 30 with secondary glenohumeral contractures) were recruited into the study. At the 2-year follow-up, 12 patients dropped out from the study. At baseline, the two contracture groups were similar with respect to their demographic and physical characteristics. The two groups of patients recovered in a similar fashion over the 2-year follow-up period. A significant improvement was observed in all outcomes measures over this period (p<0.01), so that both function and range of movement increased. The rate of improvement was dependent on the outcome measure that was used.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrodilatation and physiotherapy increase shoulder motion in individuals with primary and secondary glenohumeral joint contracture associated with rotator cuff pathology. This benefit continues to improve or is maintained in the long term, up to 2 years after hydrodilatation.
Watson
Lyn
L
Lifecare, Prahran Sports Medicine Centre, Level 1, 316 Malvern Road, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia. prahran@lifecare.com.au
Bialocerkowski
Andrea
A
Dalziel
Rodney
R
Balster
Simon
S
Burke
Frank
F
Finch
Caroline
C
D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide; D002045:Bupivacaine