AJSM - 2026-03-18 - Journal Article
A Novel Ultrasound-Guided Injection Strategy for Rapid Functional Recovery in Frozen Shoulder: A Multicenter Randomized Trial.
Zhu D, Ou Y, Li Y, Gao W, Fan Z, Zhu X, Chen Y, Tang L, Wang M, Chen J, Cai Y, Li G, Li W, Li J, Huo X, Cheng Y, Cui J
Topics
Key Takeaway
Ultrasound-guided tendon surface (UGTS) injection achieved 1-month complete remission in 59.2% of frozen shoulder patients versus 34.9% (MULA) and 31.0% (BTP), though remission rates converged by 24 months (p=0.216).
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Summary
This multicenter RCT compared UGTS injection versus MULA and BTP injection (all combined with intra-articular injection and home exercise) for frozen shoulder, with primary outcome of 4-week shoulder function via BFHS. UGTS demonstrated superior early functional recovery at 1 week and higher complete remission at 1 month (59.2% vs 31.0–34.9%) and 3 months (79.6% vs 53.2–69.8%). Long-term remission rates were equivalent at 24 months, and serial ultrasound confirmed no rotator cuff injury or cartilage thinning attributable to UGTS.
Key Limitation
The 24-month complete remission endpoint relied on tele-follow-up without objective clinical or imaging assessment, limiting the validity of the long-term equivalence finding.
Original Abstract
BACKGROUND
Current frozen shoulder (FS) therapies present a clinical dilemma: although intra-articular corticosteroids with home exercise provide proven medium-term (3-month) benefits, they lack short-term (<4-week) efficacy for rapid recovery; conversely, manipulative treatments achieve faster outcomes but carry invasiveness risks. These limitations highlight the urgent need for developing and validating novel noninvasive approaches with prompt therapeutic effects.
PURPOSE
To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided tendon surface (UGTS) injection versus manipulation under local anesthesia (MULA) and blind tender point (BTP) injection, all combined with intra-articular injection and home exercise.
STUDY DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
METHODS
The authors first developed a novel ultrasound-based strategy, which they named "ultrasound-guided tendon surface." Then they conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial (2019-2022). The primary outcome was 4-week shoulder function assessed by the Beijing Friendship Hospital Scale (BFHS), a modified version of the Constant-Murley Score adapted for Chinese populations with demonstrated validity. Secondary outcomes included (1) short-term (1-month) pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) score, active range of motion (ROM), Evaluation Scale of the Shoulder under Ultrasound (ESSU) score, pain relief, treatment sessions, and cartilage thickness; and (2) long-term (2-year) complete remission rates (tele-follow-up).
RESULTS
Among 365 screened patients, 139 were enrolled and randomized to receive UGTS (n = 49), MULA (n = 43), and BTP (n = 47). At the 1-week follow-up visit, the UGTS group showed rapid improvement in BFHS scores compared to both the MULA and BTP groups. These early functional advantages were also indicated by the VAS score, ROM, ESSU score, and pain relief. UGTS achieved faster complete remission (1 month: 59.2% vs 31.0% and 34.9% for BTP and MULA, respectively; 3-month: 79.6% vs 53.2% and 69.8% for BTP and MULA, respectively; P < .05), with remission rates converging by 24 months ( P = .216), yet retained early rapid response as its key clinical advantage. UGTS showed no significant impact on articular cartilage thickness. Serial ultrasound monitoring demonstrated no rotator cuff injuries attributable to either the UGTS procedure or prescribed exercises.
CONCLUSION
UGTS combined with intra-articular injection and exercise promotes faster recovery without safety concerns, representing an effective noninvasive first-line option for rapid relief in FS.
REGISTRATION
ChiCTR1900025874 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number).