Comparing two methods of steroid injection for shoulder adhesive capsulitis treatment

Comparison of the Short-term Clinical Effects of Anterior Extra-articular and Posterior Intra-articular Administration of Ultrasound-guided Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis. A Prospective, Randomized and Single-blind Study

Not applicable Interventional Kartal City Hospital · NCT05668286

This study is testing which of two different steroid injection methods works better for people with frozen shoulder to help relieve their pain and improve movement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorKartal City Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Kartal)
Trial IDNCT05668286 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two different ultrasound-guided steroid injection techniques for treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis will be randomly assigned to receive either an anterior extra-articular injection or a posterior intra-articular injection of a steroid and anesthetic combination. The study will include patients aged 18-75 who are in the freezing or frozen stage of the condition, confirmed through physical examination and MRI. The outcomes will be evaluated to determine which injection method provides better short-term clinical effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-75 with clinically and radiologically confirmed adhesive capsulitis.

Not a fit: Patients with rotator cuff tears, previous steroid injections in the shoulder, or a history of trauma to the shoulder may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from adhesive capsulitis, potentially enhancing recovery and reducing pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing debate regarding the optimal injection technique for adhesive capsulitis, this specific comparison of injection locations has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* must be between the ages of 18-75
* clinically and radiologically confirmed adhesive capsulitis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a tear in any of the rotator cuff tendons
* Patients who have had steroid injections in the shoulder region before
* patients who have been treated with the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (except for oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy)
* Patients with a previous history of trauma-fracture-dislocation in the shoulder region

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Kartal

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.
Conditions Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulderadhesive capsulitissteroid injectionultrasound-guided
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.