Apollo Hospitals flags frozen shoulder cases, launches One Stop Shoulder Clinic

Patients with diabetes and the middle aged, Apollo Hospitals has introduced hydrodilatation as a part of the advanced treatment plan for those with a frozen shoulder. Shoulder pain is the second most common bone and joint problem after back pain. Studies show that 70% of people experience shoulder pain at least once in their life time. The external rotation is restricted due to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, typical symptoms of the condition. The causes of shoulder pain are varied.

Hydrodilatation

To address the symptoms, physiotherapy is recommended as an integral part of the treatment plan. Physiotherapy and injections constitute the first-line of treatment. If the symptoms persist, doctors switch course to a radiological intervention called hydrodilatation.This short, day-care procedure is offered at the One Stop Shoulder Clinic at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. So far, 25 patients have undergone the procedure and all have shown progress.  

Their Oxford Shoulder Scores have improved from 12 to 42, said Ms Preeta Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group. Dr B Sivaraman, Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, said, “This is a rapid, non-surgical and cost-effective intervention for patients experiencing this condition. 
During this process, we inject about 100 to 150 ml of normal saline into the capsule (which is tight and frozen) of the shoulder under ultrasound guidance. Patients have shown significant improvement in symptoms and our interventions have helped avoid surgery.”