Objective
To compare intraarticular steroid injection with and without capsular distension in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Method
Fifty-five cases those were clinically diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. 28 cases were treated by intraarticular steroid injection with capsular distension (group 1) and 27 cases by steroid injection alone (group 2). They were evaluated by visual analogue scales, Cyriax stages of arthritis, and active shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation). Follow up assessments were made one week and one month after injection.

Results
There were no statistically significant differences in Cyriax stages and VAS between two groups. But in the group 1, shoulder range of motion showed significant improvement in flexion and internal rotation at one week, and flexion at one month.

Conclusion
Intraarticular steroid injection with cspsular distension had no advantage over steroid injection alone in pain reduction, but can help the patients to achieve better range of motion, especially flexion and internal rotation, in treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.