Need for intra-articular corticosteroid injections in patients with frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. However, little is known regarding the need for intra-articular corticosteroid injections for this condition, as well as the association between known risk factors and the need for these injections.

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between known risk factors and the need for intra-articular corticosteroid injections in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the association between risk factors for adhesive capsulitis and the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections in patients treated between January and December 2022. All patients diagnosed with primary adhesive capsulitis were included. Comparative analysis between steroid users and non-users was performed using chi-square tests and linear model ANOVA variance, based on the data type and distribution. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate whether demographics and comorbidities predicted corticosteroid injection use.

RESULTS

In total, 138 patients were diagnosed with primary adhesive capsulitis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the need for intra-articular corticosteroid injections. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding laterality, age, sex, hypothyroidism, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and other risk factors.

CONSCLUSION

None of the investigated factors predicted the need for intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Further research is needed to explore other potential influences and improve treatment decision-making for adhesive capsulitis.