The efficacy of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy in shoulder adhesive capsulitis: a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study

Effectiveness of electrophysical agents in subjects with frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of electrophysical agents in improving pain, function, disability, range of motion, quality of life, perceived stiffness, and time to recovery in subjects with frozen shoulder (FS).

METHODS

A thorough search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and EMBASE yielded 1143 articles, of which 23 randomized controlled trials were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed through Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. The certainty of evidence was evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

RESULTS

The analysis included a total of 1073 subjects. None of the studies were judged as low RoB. Potentially clinically significant differences were observed in pain at 6 weeks and 5 months after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and in disability up to 3 months with laser therapy, albeit with uncertain results due to the high RoB and to the study heterogeneity. Ultrasound (US) therapy did not yield significant differences in any outcomes. The certainty of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the high heterogeneity and low quality and certainty of evidence, ESWT, laser, and US cannot be recommended for FS treatment. Caution should be exercised in interpreting the findings.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a common debilitating disorder characterized by shoulder pain and progressive loss of shoulder movement. Frozen shoulder is frequently associated with other systemic conditions or occurs following periods of immobilization, and has a protracted clinical course, which can be frustrating for patients as well as health-care professionals. Frozen shoulder is characterized by fibroproliferative tissue fibrosis, whereby fibroblasts, producing predominantly type I and type III collagen, transform into myofibroblasts (a smooth muscle phenotype), which is accompanied by inflammation, neoangiogenesis and neoinnervation, resulting in shoulder capsular fibrotic contractures and the associated clinical stiffness. Diagnosis is heavily based on physical examination and can be difficult depending on the stage of disease or if concomitant shoulder pathology is present. Management consists of physiotherapy, therapeutic modalities such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, hydrodilation and surgical interventions; however, their effectiveness remains unclear. Facilitating translational science should aid in development of novel therapies to improve outcomes among individuals with this debilitating condition.

Radial shock-wave therapy for frozen shoulder patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot trial comparing two different energy levels

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) is highly recommended for the management of orthopedic shoulder pathologies. Yet, the clinical relevance of the dose difference effect of radial ESWT approaches in the management of frozen shoulder patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains uncertain.

AIM

The aim was to examine the short-term effects of medium-and high-energy levels of radial ESWT (rESWT) in the treatment of frozen shoulder patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical pilot study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in an outpatient clinic.

POPULATION

Thirty-nine patients who had frozen shoulder untreated for at least 3 months, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for ≥3 years were included.

METHODS

The patients were randomly allocated to receive either high-energy rESWT (hrESWT), or medium-energy rESWT (mrESWT) or placebo at 8 Hz twice a week for six weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain, evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score. Secondary outcome measures were function evaluated by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) Score, and shoulder active range of motion (AROM). The mechanical properties of the deltoid and trapezius muscles were assessed using the MyotonPRO (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia).

RESULTS

The mrESWT resulted in statistically significant reductions in night pain at 6 weeks (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.27, P=0.003). Significantly improved function (SPADI scores: -35.42±21.29 vs.-29.59±22.60; η<inf>p</inf>²=0.39, P˂0.001) was found in both hrESWT and mrESWT group by 6 weeks. Significantly higher mean shoulder AROM values were recorded for external rotation (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.53, P<0.001), and internal rotation (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.21, P=0.020), in the hrESWT group at the 6^th week. A significantly improved resting tone (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.58) and stiffness of deltoid muscle (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.62) were found in the mrESWT group (P<0.001). The trapezius muscle resting tone reduced with hrESWT (η<inf>p</inf>²=0.17, P=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the energy levels, rESWT appears to be an effective therapeutic intervention for frozen shoulder patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the short-term results.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Our results suggest that this rESWT can be a useful strategy for the rehabilitation of frozen shoulder patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is the first study on dose difference effectiveness in terms of the clinical significance of rESWT which is key to transfer research evidence into practice.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy as an Adjunctive Therapy for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

The best nonsurgical treatment for frozen shoulder is still unclear. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an innovative adjunctive treatment for frozen shoulder, but its effect is still unclear.

Purpose:

To evaluate the published literature regarding the potential of ESWT as an adjunctive therapy for frozen shoulder.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Searches were conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP Information databases for relevant studies between inception and November 2020. Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for frozen shoulder that compared ESWT with routine treatments to controls. There were no restrictions on the treatment period, type of ESWT, or severity of symptoms. At least 1 of the following outcome indices was assessed: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Constant-Murley score (CMS) for shoulder function assessment, or external rotation range of movement (ER ROM). RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the bias and quality of the included studies. For continuous variables, the mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) with the 95% CI was extracted. For dichotomous data, event ratios and sample sizes were extracted.

Results:

Overall, 20 studies were included. The ESWT used as an adjunct to other interventions had better outcomes compared with control groups regarding immediate and short-term analgesic effects (immediate: MD, –1.10 [95% CI, –1.27 to –0.92], P < .00001; short-term: MD, –0.72 [95% CI, –0.94 to –0.50], P < .00001) as well as immediate function (SMD, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.19 to 1.89], P < .00001], I² = 0%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies for long-term analgesia (MD, –0.90 [95% CI, –1.40 to –0.41], P < .00001, I² = 89%) and ER ROM (MD, 10.31 [95% CI, 3.46 to 17.17], P < .003, I² = 93%).

Conclusion:

ESWT seems to be beneficial to patients with frozen shoulder by alleviating pain and improving function. ESWT could be used as an adjunct therapy to routine treatments, although the quality of the included RCTs was hampered by significant heterogeneity regarding long-term analgesia and joint ROM.

The efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Adhesive capsulitis is a debilitating condition which causes the capsule of the gleno-humeral joint to thicken and contract progressively. The effectiveness of various non-operative methods has been demonstrated to improve the pain, range of motion (ROM) and functional status of patients with adhesive capsulitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review recent evidence on the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published since 2013. The search terms included: Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, physical therapy, rehabilitation, manual therapy, mobilization, exercise, education, and electrotherapy. The search was limited to studies published in English and studies that used human subjects.

RESULTS

Quality scores of 33 articles were reviewed according to the Sackett's critical appraisal criteria and the grades of recommendation were determined for physiotherapy interventions used in the studies.

CONCLUSION

The empirical evidence suggests that certain physical therapy techniques and modalities are strongly recommended for pain relief, improvement of ROM, and functional status in patients with adhesive capsulitis, while others are either moderately or mildly recommended. However, the efficacy of one treatment modality over another is uncertain. The poor methodological rigors demonstrated in most of the reviewed studies emphasize the urgent need of properly conducted, adequately sampled randomized controlled trials with adequate follow up to determine the superior combination of treatment.

Comparative Efficacy and Patient-Specific Moderating Factors of Nonsurgical Treatment Strategies for Frozen Shoulder: An Updated Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frozen shoulder is a common shoulder disorder characterized by pain and restriction. Various nonsurgical treatments have been reported, but there is no consensus about their comparative efficacy and the effects of moderators.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of different nonsurgical interventions and identify potential patient-specific moderating factors for frozen shoulder.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to February 18, 2019. The search was supplemented by manual review of relevant reference lists. Randomized controlled trials of participants with frozen shoulder that compared nonsurgical interventions were selected. Measured outcomes included pain, shoulder function in daily activities, and range of motion.

RESULTS

Of 3136 records identified, 92 trials were eligible, evaluating 32 nonsurgical interventions in 5946 patients. Intra-articular injection improved pain (pooled standardized mean difference [95% CI]: steroid injection, 1.68 [1.03-2.34]; capsular distension, 2.68 [1.32-4.05]) and shoulder function (steroid injection, 2.16 [1.52-2.81]; distension, 2.89 [1.71-4.06]) to a greater extent than placebo. Capsular distension and extracorporeal shockwave therapy showed the highest ranking for pain relief and functional improvement, respectively. Laser therapy also showed benefits for pain relief (3.02 [1.84-4.20]) and functional improvement (3.66 [1.65-5.67]). Subgroup analyses by disease stages revealed that steroid injection combined with physical therapy provided more benefits during the freezing phase, whereas joint manipulation provided more benefits in the adhesive phase. Adjunctive therapies, female sex, and diabetes were also identified as moderators of effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Capsular distension is a highly recommended choice for treatment of frozen shoulder, contributing greatly to pain relief and functional improvement; steroid injection is also a prevailing effective intervention. Among new options, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and laser therapy show potential benefits for multiple outcomes. Individualized optimal intervention should be considered, given that treatment effect is moderated by factors including the disease stage, time of assessment, adjunctive therapies, female sex, and diabetes.

Effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy versus ultrasound-guided low-dose intra-articular steroid injection in improving shoulder pain, function, and range of motion in diabetic patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis

To compare the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (rESWT) vs. an ultrasound-guided low-dose intra-articular steroid injection in pain reduction and functional improvement in diabetic patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

This was a 2-parallel-group, active-control, assessor-blinded, randomized trial. We randomized 103 diabetic patients with shoulder AC to receive either 4 sessions of rESWT, 1 week apart (rESWT group, n = 52), or a single ultrasound-guided low-dose intra-articular steroid injection of 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (steroid group, n = 51). The primary outcome measure was functional improvement evaluated by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score. Secondary outcome measures were pain evaluated by the visual analog scale score and shoulder range of motion (ROM). An assessor who was blinded to treatment assignment assessed both groups at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks thereafter.

RESULTS

By 12 weeks, both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in the qDASH score and pain severity, as well as improvement in ROM. However, significantly improved function (qDASH score, 40.4 ± 12.9 vs. 50.5 ± 13.3; P < .001) and shoulder pain reduction (visual analog scale score, 1.6 ± 1.2 vs. 2.8 ± 1.7; P < .001) were found in the rESWT group vs. the steroid group. Similar improvement in shoulder ROM was observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION

At short-term follow-up, rESWT was superior to a low-dose intra-articular steroid injection in improving function and pain in diabetic patients with shoulder AC. Therefore, rESWT might be considered a safe alternative to steroid injections in diabetic patients with shoulder AC.

Prevention of arthrofibrosis during knee repair by extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Preliminary study in rabbits

INTRODUCTION

Surgery or trauma may induce extensive arthrofibrosis around joints and tendon for the restrictive range of motion. Although some approaches were proposed, this problem is not solved satisfactorily. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used for orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and fibrotic disorders. Whether it could prevent the formation of arthrofibrosis during the joint repair is unknown.

METHODS

Intra-articular adhesions were created in the right knee of the rabbit by cortical bone shaving and subsequent cast immobilization. Arthrofibrosis in the control and ESWT group was evaluated and compared at week 4.

RESULTS

Macroscopic score of arthrofibrosis and contracture angle of the control group are significantly higher. Histologically, the apparent gap between patella and tibia, loose connective tissue, and much less density of the blood vessel are found in the ESWT group.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWT could noninvasively, effectively, and safely prevent the formation of arthrofibrosis during the knee repair.