Objective
To compare the biomechanical properties of the glenohumeral joint capsule between adhesive capsulitis (AC) after breast cancer surgery and idiopathic AC and demonstrate the effects of hydrodilatation (HD) with corticosteroid injection for AC after breast cancer surgery.
Methods
Twenty-three prospective patients with AC after breast cancer surgery (BC group) and 44 retrospective patients with idiopathic AC without breast cancer (CON group) underwent HD with corticosteroid injection and home exercise training. We compared their biomechanical characteristics (capsular capacity, maximal pressure, and capsular stiffness). In the BC group, the passive range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder and a questionnaire (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]) were evaluated at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.
Results
The BC group showed higher biomechanical characteristics (maximal pressure and capsular stiffness) than did the CON group. The mean maximal pressure and capsular stiffness were 519.67±120.90 mmHg and 19.69±10.58 mmHg/mL in the BC group and 424.78±104.42 mmHg and 11.55±7.77 mmHg/mL in the CON group (p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). And, the BC group showed significant improvements in all ROMs (abduction, flexion, and external rotation) and the SPADI pain and disability sub-scores following the treatment.
Conclusion
The glenohumeral joint capsular stiffness was greater in the patients with AC after breast cancer surgery than in those with idiopathic AC. HD with corticosteroid injection was effective in treating AC after breast cancer surgery.

Citations

• Manual therapy considerations for adhesive capsulitis in the breast cancer population: a clinical perspective
  Diana Garrett, Gary Kearns, Steve Karas
  Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.2025; 33(6): 547.     CrossRef
• An update on rehabilitative treatment of shoulder disease after breast cancer care
  P. E. Ferrara, D. M. Gatto, S. Codazza, P. Zordan, G. Stefinlongo, M. Ariani, D. Coraci, G. Ronconi
  MUSCULOSKELETAL SURGERY.2024; 108(1): 31.     CrossRef
• Effects of Intra-Articular Triamcinolone Injection on Adhesive Capsulitis after Breast Cancer Surgery
  Sungwon Kim, Sunwoo Kim, Jong Geol Do, Ji Hye Hwang
  Diagnostics.2024; 14(14): 1464.     CrossRef