What is hydrodilation?
Hydrodilatation is a technique that consists of introducing fluid, usually saline, into an intracapsular space, usually in the shoulder and ankle, with the aim of expanding it in size and volume. It is a painless procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis and in which the medical specialist is guided by ultrasound.
Normally this technique is indicated in cases of adhesive capsulitis accompanied by pain and reduced mobility.
Procedure
The specialist is guided by ultrasound and the fluid is injected under pressure into the joint. To minimize the risk of infection, aseptic measures are used. Local anesthesia is then administered to the area and 10 to 20 cc of saline is introduced, depending on the type of joint, as well as corticosteroids. This pressure injection, this increase in volume, breaks the established scar.
It manages to “detach the walls” of the joint capsule, thus recovering the volume of the joint and thus recovering the movement of the joint and relieving pain.
The treatment usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and once the technique is performed, passive mobilization of the joint is performed.
Results
They are practically immediate and it is advisable to start early physiotherapy, always supervised, so that the patient recovers in the shortest possible time and possible relapses are reduced as much as possible.
There are no contraindications to repeat the technique if necessary. The patient should continue with rehabilitation exercises until full recovery is achieved.