Adhesive capsulitis

Question 1

Adhesive capsulitis is otherwise known by what name?

Answer 1

Frozen shoulder

Question 2

Which joint is affected in adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 2

Glenohumeral joint

Question 3

Name 2 conditions which predispose to adhesive capsulitis.

Answer 3

Diabetes

Thyroid disorder

Question 4

Episodes of adhesive capsulitis typically last between how long?

Answer 4

6 months - 2 years

Question 5

Which key sign is present in glenohumeral osteoarthritis but not adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 5

Crepitus

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 6

Inflammatory process leads to fibroblastic proliferation and thickening of the joint capsule

Capsular adhesions result in restricted movement and pain

Question 7

What are the 3 stages of adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 7

Freezing (painful)
Frozen (stiff)
Thawing

Question 8

How long does the freezing stage of adhesive capsulitis last?

Answer 8

6 weeks - 9 months

Question 9

How long does the frozen stage of adhesive capsulitis last?

Answer 9

4 - 9 months

Question 10

How long does the thawing stage of adhesive capsulitis last?

Answer 10

5 - 26 months

Question 11

Which 3 bloods and 2 imaging should be done for adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 11

Routine bloods
Thyroid profile
Hb1Ac

X-ray
MRI

Question 12

List 3 conservative managements of adhesive capsulitis.

Answer 12

Physical therapy

Pain management

Hydrodilatation

Question 13

Lisst 2 surgical managements of adhesive capsulitis and their aims.

Answer 13

Manipulation under anaesthesia to break adhesions

Arthroscopic capsular release - release of the tight capsule

Question 14

What is involved in hydrodilatation in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 14

Injection of saline and steroid to stretch the capsule