Hydrodilatation

Hydrodilatation, also called hydraulic arthrographic capsular distension or distension arthrography, is a medical treatment for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, commonly known as frozen shoulder. It is performed by a radiologist assisted by a radiographer, who inject a contrast medium, a local anaesthetic and cortisone into the joint before injecting up to forty milliliters of sterile saline solution, using X-ray guidance, to stretch the joint capsule. The risk of complications is low, and whether the treatment has succeeded is generally known after a couple of weeks.