FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF INTRA-ARTICULAR TRIAMCINOLONE INJECTION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is marked by progressive shoulder stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion. Corticosteroid injections are a commonly adopted conservative treatment, particularly effective during the initial inflammatory phase. Objective: To assess the functional outcomes of intra-articular triamcinolone injection in patients with adhesive capsulitis based on range of motion and validated scoring systems. This prospective study involved 36 patients with primary adhesive capsulit Methods: is. Each received an intra-articular injection of 2 mL Triamcinolone (Kenacort 80) combined with 2% Lignocaine under C-arm guidance. Functional outcomes were measured using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Constant-Murley Score at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-injection. Shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation) was recorded using standardized goniometric techniques. Results: Baseline mean ASES and Constant-Murley scores were 42.38 ± 5.61 and 44.77 ± 5.55, respectively. By the 6-month follow-up, ASES scores improved significantly to 78.56 ± 4.32 and Constant-Murley scores reached 82.14 ± 5.19 (p < 0.001). Shoulder abduction improved from an average of 82.8° to 120–160°, and external rotation increased from 10° to 20–30° in most participants. Pain and disability decreased substantially, with marked restoration in daily function and mobility. Intra-articular triamcinolone injection is a Conclusion: safe and effective intervention for managing adhesive capsulitis. It results in significant and sustained improvements in shoulder mobility, pain reduction, and functional independence, especially when administered in the early stages of the condition