Early Clinical Outcomes of Manipulation under Anesthesia for Refractory Adhesive Capsulitis: Comparison with Arthroscopic Capsular Release

BACKGROUD: The purpose of this study was to compare early clinical outcomes of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) in patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis (AC). METHODS: Thirty AC patients who underwent MUA (MUA group) were included. As a control group, thirty AC patients who underwent ACR (ACR group) were matched for age and sex with the MUA group. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months after procedure. RESULTS: Both groups had significant improvements in the VAS pain score, ASES score, and ROM at 12 months after procedure. VAS pain score and ASES score were significantly better in the MUA group than in the ACR group at 3 months after procedure. Mean forward flexion was significantly greater in the MUA group than in the ACR group at 3 months after procedure. Mean external rotation and internal rotation were significantly greater in the MUA group than in the ACR group at 3, 6, and 12 months after procedure. Two patients required additional steroid injections at 3 and 6 months after MUA because of recurrent stiffness with pain. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ACR, MUA provided equivalent clinical outcomes in the early period after procedure. Our study suggests that MUA is a useful option to be considered as treatment for refractory AC before choosing ACR.