NCT07364227

Anterior vs Posterior vs Combined Intra-Articular Injections for Adhesive Capsulitis

Comparison of Anterior, Posterior, and Combined Intra-Articular Injection Techniques in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhD · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of three different intra-articular injection approaches (anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior) in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups and treated with a standardized injection solution consisting of corticosteroid, lidocaine, and saline. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain scores, functional scales, and imaging parameters.

Detailed description

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a disabling condition characterized by progressive pain and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are frequently used to reduce pain and improve mobility; however, the optimal injection approach remains controversial. This single-center randomized controlled trial will investigate three different approaches: posterior, anterior, and combined anterior-posterior injections. The primary endpoint is improvement in active and passive range of motion. Secondary endpoints include pain scores (VAS), functional outcome measures (SPADI, qDASH, ASES, Constant-Murley, Scratch Test, Subjective Shoulder Value), and ultrasound evaluation of axillary capsule thickness. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after injection, and at weeks 3, 6, and 12.

Conditions

• Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
• Intra Articular Injection

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection	A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the posterior glenohumeral approach.
DRUG	Anterior Intra-articular Injection	A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the anterior (rotator interval) approach.
DRUG	Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection	A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered using both anterior and posterior approaches during the same procedure.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2026-01-23
• Last updated: 2026-01-23