2017 ISAKOS Congress : Intra-articular steroid injection for frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis comparing the results of intra-articular steroid injection to either sham injection or no injection in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Results were pooled at 4-6 weeks, 12-16 weeks, and 24-26 weeks. Pain scores were significantly lower following IA steroid injection versus control at all three time intervals. Shoulder range of motion was also reported to be greater following IA steroid injection versus control. Results from clinical scores were mixed, with differences in favour of IA steroid at all three time intervals on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, differences in favour of IA steroid at 12-16 weeks on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, and no significant differences between IA steroid and control on the Constant score.