The efficacy of buprenorphine combined with joint mobilization in treating periarthritis of the shoulder

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of combining buprenorphine with joint mobilization in the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder. Methods A total of 103 patients were randomly divided into groups A, B and C. Group A received buprenorphine and joint mobilization; group B was treated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug loxoprofen sodium and joint mobilization; group C received only joint mobilization. One week, 3 weeks and three months after the treatment, the subjects used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to rate their level of discomfort, and Constant-Murley scores (CMS) and the degree of shoulder activity were quantified in all 3 groups. Any differences in the intensity of joint mobilization were also observed. Results The VAS ratings, CMS and the degree of activity of the shoulder joint improved significantly in all three groups after the treatment. One week after the treatment, the average VAS score of group A (2.8±1) was significantly lower than that of groups B (3.8±1) and C (4.5±1.3), but group A′s average CMS (60.1±10.7) had increased to significantly more than those of groups B (48.8±11.0) and C (44.9±9.7). At the same time, the average shoulder joint rear protraction, 90° extorsion abduction, internal rotation and external rotation angles of group A were all significantly bigger than those of groups B and C. The differences were maintained until at least three months after the treatment. One week after the treatment, the intensity of the joint mobilization of group A was significantly higher than in groups B and C, with that discrepancy also continuing until at least 3 months after the treatment. Conclusions Buprenorphine combined with joint mobilization is very effective in the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder. It is simple, safe and elicits good patient compliance. It is worthy of promotion among shoulder periarthritis patients. Key words: Buprenorphine; Arthrolysis; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Periarthritis; Shoulder