Pericapsular vs Intra-Articular Injection in Adhesive Capsulitis

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular and Intra-Articular Steroid Injections in Patients Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis is a common and disabling shoulder disorder characterized by progressive pain and restricted active and passive range of motion, leading to significant limitations in daily activities and reduced quality of life. Corticosteroid injections are widely used to relieve pain and improve shoulder function; however, the optimal injection site remains a matter of debate. While ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections are considered a standard treatment, ultrasound-guided pericapsular injections have recently emerged as a potential alternative by targeting the inflamed capsular tissues directly.

The primary objective of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pericapsular corticosteroid injection with ultrasound-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The study aims to determine whether one injection technique provides superior improvements in pain, shoulder range of motion, functional status, and patient-reported outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

-Diagnosis of unilateral adhesive capsulitis, characterized by shoulder pain and restriction of both active and passive range of motion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary glenohumeral joint motion limitation due to inflammatory, degenerative, metabolic, or infectious arthritis.
• History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
• History of fracture involving the affected shoulder.
• Presence of any neurological deficit affecting the upper extremity.
• Previous surgery involving the affected shoulder.
• History of shoulder trauma.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to local anesthetics or corticosteroids used in the study.
• Current use of anticoagulant therapy.
• Active inflammatory or infectious disease.
• Active psychiatric disorder.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
• Uncompensated chronic heart, liver, or renal failure.
• Presence of vascular or malignant disease affecting the shoulder region.