Manipulation under anaesthesia and early physiotherapy facilitate recovery of patients with frozen shoulder syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) followed by early physiotherapy in treating frozen shoulder syndrome.


METHODS
In a prospective trial conducted between 26th August 2002 and 25th June 2004 in 86 patients with frozen shoulder syndrome, MUA was performed as a day procedure. Main outcomes were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and range of movement, which were measured preoperatively and at six weeks postprocedure.


RESULTS
Fifty (58.1%) patients had complete data. The average age was 54.5 years. The mean duration of symptoms until MUA was 13 months. The mean DASH score decreased from 48.07 to 15.84 (p < 0.0005). The mean VAS reduced from 6.07 to 1.88 (p < 0.0005). Flexion improved from 104.18 to 157.56 (p < 0.0005); abduction from 70.48 to 150.00 (p < 0.0005); and external rotation from 13.88 to 45.62 (p < 0.0005).


CONCLUSIONS
MUA combined with early physiotherapy alleviates pain and facilitates recovery of function in patients with frozen shoulder syndrome.
Ng
C Y
CY
Department of Orthopaedics, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline KY12 0SU. chyeng@gmail.com
Amin
A K
AK
Narborough
S
S
McMullan
L
L
Cook
R
R
Brenkel
I J
IJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002062:Bursitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D016896:Treatment Outcome