Evidence for Frozen Shoulder Injections

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Related published research: Adhesive capsulitis evidence

Relevant studies include Carette et al. (2003). These publications should be interpreted alongside newer systematic reviews and clinical guidelines; an individual trial does not establish that a treatment is appropriate for every patient.

Explore the historical BMJ research bibliography

Additional frozen shoulder and glenohumeral injection research

The 2016 randomised study evaluated a hanging, internally rotated arm position as an alternative during posterior ultrasound-guided glenohumeral steroid injection in 42 people with adhesive capsulitis. It addresses procedural feasibility and positioning; it does not establish that this position is clinically superior for all patients. Other studies examine hydrodilatation, corticosteroid injections and injection placement. These studies vary in design and should not be interpreted as proof of superior long-term outcomes from ultrasound guidance.

  1. Lee, C.H., Nam, H.S. and Lee, S.U. (2016) “Usefulness of a hanging position with internal rotation of shoulder in ultrasonography-guided intra-articular steroid injection for adhesive capsulitis”, Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(3), pp. 520–527. Research source
  2. Shah, N. and Lewis, M. (2007) “Shoulder adhesive capsulitis: systematic review of randomised trials using multiple corticosteroid injections”, British Journal of General Practice, 57, pp. 662–667. Research source
  3. Park, K.D. et al. (2012) “Comparison of sono-guided capsular distension with fluoroscopically guided capsular distension in adhesive capsulitis of shoulder”, Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 36, pp. 88–97. Research source
  4. Tveitå, E.K. et al. (2008) “Hydrodilatation, corticosteroids and adhesive capsulitis: a randomized controlled trial”, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 9, article 53. Research source
  5. Arslan, S. and Çeliker, R. (2001) “Comparison of the efficacy of local corticosteroid injection and physical therapy for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis”, Rheumatology International, 21, pp. 20–23. Research source
  6. Tobola, A. et al. (2011) “Accuracy of glenohumeral joint injections: comparing approach and experience of provider”, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 20, pp. 1147–1154. Research source
  7. Zwar, R.B., Read, J.W. and Noakes, J.B. (2004) “Sonographically guided glenohumeral joint injection”, AJR American Journal of Roentgenology, 183, pp. 48–50. Research source