Adhesive Capsulitis of the ShoulderNCT07364227
Anterior vs Posterior vs Combined Intra-Articular Injections for Adhesive Capsulitis
A study testing Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection, Anterior Intra-articular Injection and Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection in people with Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder and Intra Articular Injection, run by Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhD.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of three different intra-articular injection approaches (anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior) in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, Intra Articular Injection
- What is being tested?
- Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection, Anterior Intra-articular Injection and Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Jan 2026to Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Inclusion Criteria Age 18-70 years Unilateral shoulder pain and stiffness (symptom duration 1-9 months) NRS pain score ≥ 7/10 Passive range of motion limitation >50% in at least two planes, or >30° restriction in ≥2 planes "Freezing stage" (stage 2 adhesive capsulitis) No analgesic use (NSAIDs, opioids, acetaminophen) within 12 hours before intervention Radiography and/or MRI excluding other pathologies (rotator cuff tear, labral lesion, osteoarthritis, etc.) Exclusion Criteria Secondary adhesive capsulitis (trauma, surgery, systemic disease) Prior shoulder surgery or intra-articular steroid injection within 3 months Bilateral frozen shoulder Neurological disorders (Parkinson's disease, ALS, neuropathies) Malignancy, infection, cellulitis, septic arthritis, acute fracture Cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, pregnancy Steroid or local anesthetic allergy Poor glycemic control or other contraindications to steroid injections
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Anterior, Posterior, and Combined Intra-Articular Injection Techniques in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of three different intra-articular injection approaches (anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior) in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups and treated with a standardized injection solution consisting of corticosteroid, lidocaine, and saline. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain scores, functional scales, and imaging parameters.
Read the detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a disabling condition characterized by progressive pain and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are frequently used to reduce pain and improve mobility; however, the optimal injection approach remains controversial.
This single-center randomized controlled trial will investigate three different approaches: posterior, anterior, and combined anterior-posterior injections. The primary endpoint is improvement in active and passive range of motion. Secondary endpoints include pain scores (VAS), functional outcome measures (SPADI, qDASH, ASES, Constant-Murley, Scratch Test, Subjective Shoulder Value), and ultrasound evaluation of axillary capsule thickness. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after injection, and at weeks 3, 6, and 12.
- Being tested
- Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection, Anterior Intra-articular Injection, Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection
- Keywords
- Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, Intra-articular Injection, Frozen Shoulder, Ultrasound, Shoulder Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis, Shoulder Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular InjectionDrug
Also called Posterior Intra-articular Injection
A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the posterior glenohumeral approach.
Anterior Intra-articular InjectionDrug
Also called Anterior hydrodilatation
A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the anterior (rotator interval) approach.
Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular InjectionDrug
Also called combined joint injection
A single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered using both anterior and posterior approaches during the same procedure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm A: Posterior Injection | Experimental | Single intra-articular injection with corticosteroid + lidocaine + saline via the posterior glenohumeral approach. Receives: Drug: Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection |
| Arm B - Anterior Injection | Experimental | Same injection solution administered via the anterior (rotator interval) approach. Receives: Drug: Anterior Intra-articular Injection |
| Arm C - Combined Anterior + Posterior Injection | Experimental | Same injection solution administered using both anterior and posterior approaches. Receives: Drug: Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Change in active and passive shoulder joint range of motion (flexion, extension, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) measured with a goniometer.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change in Pain Intensity (NRS)
Number Rating Scale (0-10) for pain at rest, during activity, and at night.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV)
Patient's self-reported percentage of normal shoulder function (0-100%).
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Questionnaire assessing pain and disability (0-100 score, higher scores = worse function).
Measured: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)
Questionnaire measuring upper limb disability and symptoms (0-100 score, higher = worse).
Measured: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score
Composite score including pain and function (0-100, higher = better).
Measured: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Constant-Murley Shoulder Score
Clinical score combining pain, activities of daily living, strength, and ROM (0-100).
Measured: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Scratch Test Score
Functional test measuring the patient's ability to reach behind the back.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Axillary Capsule Thickness (Ultrasound)
Ultrasound measurement of axillary recess capsule thickness on the affected shoulder.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-injection (only).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Jan 2026
- Study startJan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMay 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adhesive Capsulitis of the ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with three intervention arms. Thirty patients with adhesive capsulitis will be randomly assigned in equal numbers (1:1:1) to receive an intra-articular corticosteroid injection via the posterior approach, the anterior approach, or a combined anterior-posterior approach. Each participant will receive only one type of injection, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-injection, and at weeks 3, 6, and 12.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhD
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhD, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
- Investigators
- Aslinur keles, MD., PhD, Principal investigator, Health Sciences University Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07364227
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ADC2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Anterior, Posterior, and Combined Intra-Articular Injection Techniques in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07364227
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ADC2025
- Keywords
- Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, Intra-articular Injection, Frozen Shoulder, Ultrasound, Shoulder Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhDUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of three different intra-articular injection approaches (anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior) in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups and treated with a standardized injection solution consisting of corticosteroid, lidocaine, and saline. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain scores, functional scales, and imaging parameters.
Detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a disabling condition characterized by progressive pain and stiffness of the glenohumeral joint. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are frequently used to reduce pain and improve mobility; however, the optimal injection approach remains controversial.
This single-center randomized controlled trial will investigate three different approaches: posterior, anterior, and combined anterior-posterior injections. The primary endpoint is improvement in active and passive range of motion. Secondary endpoints include pain scores (VAS), functional outcome measures (SPADI, qDASH, ASES, Constant-Murley, Scratch Test, Subjective Shoulder Value), and ultrasound evaluation of axillary capsule thickness. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after injection, and at weeks 3, 6, and 12.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with three intervention arms. Thirty patients with adhesive capsulitis will be randomly assigned in equal numbers (1:1:1) to receive an intra-articular corticosteroid injection via the posterior approach, the anterior approach, or a combined anterior-posterior approach. Each participant will receive only one type of injection, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-injection, and at weeks 3, 6, and 12.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm A: Posterior Injection | Experimental | Drug: Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular InjectionSingle intra-articular injection with corticosteroid + lidocaine + saline via the posterior glenohumeral approach. |
| Arm B - Anterior Injection | Experimental | Drug: Anterior Intra-articular InjectionSame injection solution administered via the anterior (rotator interval) approach. |
| Arm C - Combined Anterior + Posterior Injection | Experimental | Drug: Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular InjectionSame injection solution administered using both anterior and posterior approaches. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular InjectionAlso: Posterior Intra-articular InjectionA single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the posterior glenohumeral approach. | Drug | Arm A: Posterior Injection |
| Anterior Intra-articular InjectionAlso: Anterior hydrodilatationA single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered via the anterior (rotator interval) approach. | Drug | Arm B - Anterior Injection |
| Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular InjectionAlso: combined joint injectionA single intra-articular injection consisting of 1 cc corticosteroid, 4 cc 2% lidocaine, and 5 cc saline (total 10 cc) administered using both anterior and posterior approaches during the same procedure. | Drug | Arm C - Combined Anterior + Posterior Injection |
Primary outcome
Change in Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Change in active and passive shoulder joint range of motion (flexion, extension, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation) measured with a goniometer.
8 secondary outcomes
Change in Pain Intensity (NRS)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)
Time frame: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score
Time frame: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Constant-Murley Shoulder Score
Time frame: Baseline, week 3, week 6, week 12
Scratch Test Score
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12
Axillary Capsule Thickness (Ultrasound)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection (only).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Jan 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Aslinur keles, MD., PhD principal investigator
Health Sciences University Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Intervention Name: Posterior Intra-articular Injection, Anterior Intra-articular Injection and Combined Anterior + Posterior Intra-articular Injection in people with Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder and Intra Articular Injection, run by Aslinur Keles Ercisli, MD, PhD.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Aslinur K Keles, MD., PhD (+905395010707, aslinur.ercisli@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) (time frame: Baseline, immediately post-injection, week 3, week 6, week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jan 2026.