Results of repeat manipulation under ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection for recurrence of frozen shoulder

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical results of a repeat manipulation under ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block (MUC) with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection for recurrence of idiopathic frozen shoulder after MUC. METHODS: A consecutive series of 42 shoulders in 39 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder underwent MUC. All patients were assessed according to the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score and shoulder range of motion (ROM) both before MUC and at 1 year thereafter. If patients continued to have pain and limited ROM at 3 months after the procedure, they were offered a repeat MUC. Such patients were also assessed before the procedure and at 3 months and 1 year thereafter. RESULTS: The initial MUC was successful in 31 shoulders (single group). Repeat MUC was required in 11 shoulders (repeat group). Patients in the single group showed significant improvement in ROM and ASES score at 1 year after the procedure (p < 0.001); similarly, patients in the repeat group had significant improvement in ROM and ASES score at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure (p < 0.001). Patients in the repeat group had had significantly more severely limited ROM (p < 0.01) and decreased ASES score (p < 0.001) before the procedure compared with those in the single group. CONCLUSIONS: A repeat MUC with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection is a valuable option before proceeding to surgery for recurrence of idiopathic frozen shoulder. When there is severely limited ROM and decreased ASES score before the MUC, a repeat MUC may be necessary, which would require the patient’s informed consent. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered