adhesive capsulitis

Question 1

also known as

Answer 1

frozen shoulder

Question 2

definition

Answer 2

disorder characterised by progressive pain and stiffness of the shoulder in patients between 40 and 60 resolving after around 18-24 months

Question 3

presentation

Answer 3

initially causes pain which resolves after between 2-9 months but there is increased stiffness for around 4-12 months before it gradually resolves and there is good recovery of shoulder movement

Question 4

principal clinical sign

Answer 4

loss of external rotation

Question 5

aetiology

Answer 5

unknown but increased incidence in diabetics, hypercholesterolaemia and dupuytrens disease

Question 6

what happens to the capsule and glenohumeral ligament

Answer 6

they become inflamed and then thicken and contract

Question 7

management

Answer 7

• physiotherapy and analgesics, intra-articular steroid injection in the pain phase
• once pain has settled if the person cannot tolerate the functional loss caused by the stiffness recovery may be hastened with manipulation under anaesthetic or surgical capsular release