Treatment effects of ultrasound-guided capsular distension with hyaluronic acid in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

100 patients with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder were randomized to intra-articular (IA) injection of either 0.5% lidocaine plus triamcinolone 40mg or to 0.5% lidocaine plus hyaluronic acid 20mg and capsular distension, both performed every 2 weeks for 3 times. 6 weeks results after the last injection aimed to compare the two treatments using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Verbal Numeric Scale (VNS), and passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder (flexion, abduction, external rotation). Both groups improved similarly in all outcomes measured, except for passive external rotation which had greater improvement with hyaluronic acid and capsular distension.