UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Adhesive Capulitis

Keywords: Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 5/25/2013 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 5/5/2024)
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Adhesive capsulitis aka frozen shoulder

idiopathic loss of BOTH active and passive motion (this is a significant reduction of at least 50%)

Motion is stiff and painful especially at the extremes

Occurs due to thickening and contracture of the shoulder capsule

Affects patients between the ages of 40 and 60

Diabetes is the most common risk factor

Imaging is normal and only helpful to rule out other entities such as osteophytes, loose bodies etc.

Treatment includes NSAIDs, moist heat and physical therapy.

Patients should expect a recovery period of 1-2 years!