Hydrodistension
What is it?
What is it?
- Ultrasound-guided procedure that allows the distension of the shoulder joint capsule using a mixture of saline solution, local anesthetics and corticosteroids. This technique allows the destruction of ligament and joint adhesions caused by inflammation.
When is it used?
When is it used?
- In frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.
Why is hydrodistension performed?
Why is hydrodistension performed?
- Clinically, in frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, the patient presents with pain and a considerable reduction in joint range of motion due to the existence of significant inflammation (of generally unknown cause). Reversing this process can take several months to years, with the need for daily or almost daily physical rehabilitation. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of hydrodistension not only in reducing the recovery time from this pathology, but also in reducing pain and increasing joint range of motion. Hydrodistension should not be performed in isolation, but should always be integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan tailored to each patient.
Is it a safe procedure?
Is it a safe procedure?
- Hydrodistension is a procedure performed on an outpatient basis that takes about 10 minutes and is a simple and safe procedure.