Comparing two doses of corticosteroids for frozen shoulder treatment

Dose Comparison for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis with Hydrodilatation and Corticosteroid Using an Anterior Approach Under Ultrasound-Guidance

PHASE3 · University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06848374

This study is testing whether two different doses of a steroid injection can help people with frozen shoulder feel less pain and move their shoulder better.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto (other)
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06848374 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of two different doses of methylprednisolone (40 mg vs 80 mg) combined with hydrodilatation in treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The study will enroll 40 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two doses during an ultrasound-guided procedure. Pain reduction, shoulder mobility improvement, and side effects will be assessed through various questionnaires and measurements at baseline and four weeks post-treatment. The trial is designed as a double-blind study to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Not a fit: Patients who have received an injection in the affected shoulder within the last three months or have a history of shoulder surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal corticosteroid dosing for improved pain relief and mobility in patients with frozen shoulder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with corticosteroid treatments for adhesive capsulitis, but this specific dose comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>18 years of age
* Diagnostic of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Exclusion Criteria:

* Injection received in the affected shoulder \< 3 months ago (any kind)
* History of previous surgery in the affected shoulder
* Glenohumeral osteoarthritis more than mild on the xray
* Pregnancy
* Blood thinner (other than Aspirin 80 mg) or bleeding disorder
* Active infection (requiring antibiotic)
* Allergy to steroid or lidocaine
* Cognitive impairment
* Active litigation
* Inflammatory connective tissue disorder

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, Frozen shoulder, hydrodilatation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.