Joint Capsule Hydrodilation
West Palm Beach, FL
Restore Function Without Surgery
Biologics Guided by Evidence
Board-Certified Physician
Restore Function Without Surgery
Biologics Guided by Evidence
Board-Certified Physician
Joint Capsule Hydrodilation
West Palm Beach, FL
Restore Function Without Surgery
Biologics Guided by Evidence
Board-Certified Physician
Joint Capsule Hydrodilation
Joint capsule hydrodilation — also called hydrodilatation or capsular distension — is an image-guided procedure in which fluid is injected under controlled pressure into a contracted joint capsule to stretch and release the tight, thickened capsular tissue that is restricting movement. It is most commonly used for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) but is applicable to any joint where capsular contracture is limiting range of motion — including the hip, ankle, and toe joints.
Under real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is positioned within the joint space and fluid is delivered under gentle pressure until the capsule distends. This mechanical stretching of the contracted capsule restores joint space, breaks down adhesions, and reduces the pain and stiffness of the contracture. At Palm Beach Regenerative, hydrodilation is frequently combined with PRP — delivering the distension fluid and biological agent simultaneously in a single procedure session.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Joint / target: Glenohumeral joint capsule
Clinical context: Primary indication: most evidence; combined with PRP and/or corticosteroid
Hip capsular contracture
Joint / target: Hip joint capsule
Clinical context: Post-injury or post-surgical stiffness; selected cases
Ankle stiffness
Joint / target: Tibiotalar joint capsule
Clinical context: Post-traumatic stiffness or post-surgical contracture
Hallux rigidus / toe joint stiffness
Joint / target: MTP joint capsule
Clinical context: Combined with PRP for toe OA with significant capsular restriction
Post-surgical joint stiffness
Joint / target: Any joint
Clinical context: After arthroplasty, repair, or immobilization
Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all options, including when surgical referral is more appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
| Application | Joint / target | Clinical context |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) | Glenohumeral joint capsule | Primary indication: most evidence; combined with PRP and/or corticosteroid |
| Hip capsular contracture | Hip joint capsule | Post-injury or post-surgical stiffness; selected cases |
| Ankle stiffness | Tibiotalar joint capsule | Post-traumatic stiffness or post-surgical contracture |
| Hallux rigidus / toe joint stiffness | MTP joint capsule | Combined with PRP for toe OA with significant capsular restriction |
| Post-surgical joint stiffness | Any joint | After arthroplasty, repair, or immobilization |
Key points to remember:
- Image-guided — ultrasound or fluoroscopy confirms intra-articular placement
- Frequently combined with PRP — distension and biology delivered together
- Distinct from dry needling or manipulation — controlled, precise capsular expansion
- Most effective when capsular contracture (not bony impingement) is the primary cause of stiffness
- Results vary; candidacy depends on degree of capsular involvement identified on imaging or examination
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