Intensity Of Shoulder Pain In Diabetic Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Visual Analog Scale Study

Abstract

Nutritional status plays a critical role in postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for oral and maxillofacial malignancies. Malnutrition is common in these patients due to tumor-related dysphagia, metabolic alterations, and treatme This study aimed to evaluate the intensity of shoulder pain in diabetic patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a frequent musculoskeletal complication in diabetic patients, often resulting in significant pain and functional impairment. Understanding the severity of pain in this population is crucial for effective clinical management. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh, from July 2020 to June 2021. Seventy-five diabetic patients aged 40 to 60 years were enrolled through purposive sampling. Patients with a history of shoulder trauma or other musculoskeletal disorders were excluded to avoid confounding factors. Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis was based on clinical examination and imaging when necessary. Pain intensity was measured using the VAS, categorizing pain as no pain (0), mild (1–3), moderate (4–6), or severe (7–10). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Among the 75 diabetic patients, 23 (30%) were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, with females constituting the majority (65%) of this group. Pain assessment revealed that 43.5% experienced moderate pain, 34.8% severe pain, and 21.7% mild pain, while no patients reported absence of pain. These findings indicate a high prevalence of moderate to severe shoulder pain in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis. In conclusion, adhesive capsulitis is a significant cause of shoulder pain among diabetic patients, predominantly affecting middle-aged females. The observed pain severity underscores the importance of early pain assessment and targeted interventions. Utilizing the VAS in clinical settings can facilitate effective pain management strategies, ultimately improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.