Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is an idiopathic condition characterized 
clinically by pain and limitation of movement. The characteristic arthrographic 
features are those of limited capacity of the joint, pain during injection, and 
retracted recesses. Progressive distension of the capsule with 1% lidocaine and 
40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) is a recommended form of treatment 
for this condition. Twenty-five patients treated by this method were reviewed 
retrospectively. Eleven (44%) were completely relieved of their symptoms, 6 
(24%) had a 50% improvement, and 8 (32%) had no relief. Patients with idiopathic 
adhesive capsulitis responded more favorably to the treatment than those with a 
traumatic etiology. The duration of symptoms had no correlation with the results 
of therapy. There were no complications from the treatment.