Ultrasound-Guided High-Volume Pressure Hydrodilatation for Postoperative Adhesive Capsulitis of the Hip: Case Report and Literature Review

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a pathologic process in which excessive collagen depositions form across a joint leading to stiffness, pain, and limited joint mobility. Our case is a 48-year-old man who presented with right hip pain. Approximately 5 months after arthroscopic labral repair, he reported recurrence of the pain and limited range of motion in the hip. A therapeutic hip hydrodilatation was performed using ultrasound-guidance and an anterior approach. One month after the hydrodilatation, ported resolution of the pain and hip internal rotation was symmetric. Most patients with AC of the hip can be managed nonsurgically with anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. However, patients with persistent pain and limited range of motion after these treatment options typically are only left with the option of surgery. There is a lack of data on pressure hydrodilatation or distention for AC of the hip. In this case report, the patient developed AC after labral surgery and was successfully treated with pressure hydrodilatation. Resolution of the patient's symptoms suggests that this procedure can potentially be performed in postsurgical AC without adverse events.