From the Research
Steroid injections after adhesive capsulitis release surgery can help loosen a tight capsule, with a recommended dose of 20mg of triamcinolone acetonide, as shown in a study from 2018 1. The use of steroid injections in this context is supported by evidence from various studies, including a 2019 review on adhesive capsulitis diagnosis and management 2, which highlights the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in reducing inflammation and improving range of motion. Additionally, a 2016 systematic review of randomized clinical trials on corticosteroid injections for adhesive capsulitis found that these injections are superior to placebo and physiotherapy in the short-term, with similar efficacy between subacromial and glenohumeral injections 3. Key points to consider when using steroid injections post-surgery include:
- Combining the injection with a structured physical therapy program to maintain range of motion achieved during surgical release
- Limiting steroid injections to 1-2 post-surgery to avoid potential complications such as tendon weakening or infection, as suggested by the example answer
- Patient expectations of some discomfort during rehabilitation, despite the steroid injection, as working through pain is necessary to prevent recurrence of adhesive capsulitis
- The importance of surgeon preference in guiding treatment, as noted in a 2020 retrospective comparative study on surgical treatment of adhesive capsulitis 4
- The potential for significant improvement in shoulder pain and disability index score (SPADI) and active range of motion after a single ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into the rotator interval, as demonstrated in a 2013 multicenter cohort trial 5.