Comparison of Oral Glucocorticoid and Only Analgesics in the Treatment of Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the role of oral glucocorticoids and only analgesics in treating patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. Patients and Methods: Fifty eight patients having primary idiopathic frozen shoulder syndrome were included in this study. Secondary causes (trauma, infection) and systemic disease related to frozen shoulder were excluded. Patients were randomized into two groups: patients in the first group (18 males, 11 females; mean age 45.3 years; range 32 to 67 years) were given 0.5 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone (32 mg maximum dose) halved each week, ceased at the end of each month and patients in the second group (11 males, 18 females; mean age 46.5 years; range 29 to 73 years) were given only oral analgesics. Physical therapy as a home program was initiated as the pain subsided in both groups. Visual analog scale (VAS), active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint and Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire scores were evaluated at baseline every week for one month then at end of third , sixth month and first year. Results: Visual analog scale, DASH and active ROM scores in both groups were significantly improved. Statistically significant difference was detected between steroid and only oral analgesic in terms of post-treatment VAS scores. Conclusion: Glucocorticoids with physiotherapy is an effective treatment for idiopathic frozen shoulder.