Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is a condition of unknown etiology that results in the restriction of active and passive glenohumeral motion. It is a relatively common condition with a 2-5% prevalence in the population. Risk factors include age, diabetes, trauma and thyroid disease ⁽¹⁾.

Initial treatment involves analgesia and physiotherapy, however if these are not effective then referral to secondary care is indicated. Options then include manipulation under anaesthesia, surgical arthroscopic rupture and fluoroscopic shoulder hydrodilatation ⁽²⁾.

A retrospective audit was conducted assessing the effectiveness of fluoroscopic shoulder hydrodilatation in treating adhesive capsulitis, in the local Merseyside population.