Title: Epidemiology of frozen shoulder<br/>Author: Brian Corwell<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/294/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong>Adhesive capsulitis</strong> aka frozen shoulder</p>
<p>
Definition: Gradual development of global limitation of both active and passive shoulder motion, characterized by severe pain and lack of radiographic findings</p>
<p>
Idiopathic loss of BOTH active and passive motion (significant reduction of at least 50%)</p>
<p>
Motion is stiff and painful especially at the extremes.</p>
<p>
Occurs due to thickening and contracture of the shoulder capsule.</p>
<p>
Affects up to 8-10% of people of working age.</p>
<p>
Affects patients between the ages of 40 and 60.</p>
<p>
Peak age mid 50s</p>
<p>
Onset before 40 is rare (consider other diagnosis).</p>
<p>
Affects women more than men.</p>
<p>
Diabetes is the most common risk factor.</p>
<p>
Patients with DM, suffer a more prolonged course and are more resistant to therapy </p>
<p>
Also associated with thyroid disease and prolonged immobilization</p>
<p>
Increased risk following trauma to shoulder region (rotator cuff tear, following shoulder surgery, fracture of proximal humerus)</p>
<p>
Presents unilaterally (other shoulder may become involved in next 5 years)</p>
<p>
Slight increased risk of non-dominant shoulder</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>