Adhesive Capsulitis

Question 1

What is adhesive capsulitis

Answer 1

“Frozen shoulder” is characterised by irritating pain but later progressively restricted active and passive GH joint range of motion with spontaneous complete or nearly complete recovery over a various period of time

Question 2

Epidemiology and risk factors of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 2

Age, 40-60
Most prevalent in women over men
Diabetes, people with diabetes are at a higher risk
Thyroid disorder
Previous shoulder injuries/truame/surgeeires
2-5% of the population

Question 3

Clinical presentation of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 3

Gradual onset of shoulder pain, worsening at night
Significant restriction in active/passive ROM external and abduction is most prevalent
Symptoms last for several weeks, months maybe a year with progression through freezing, frozen and thawing stages
Insidious onset
Progressive increase in faculty performing everyday activities
Can radiate to the arm and neck
Shoulder weakness

Question 4

Systemic effects of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 4

Decreased quality of life due to pain and limited ROM/ mobility
Potential for compensating injuries in other areas, such as neck or back due to alternative movement patterns
Because it is a localised injury p, it primarily affects the shoulder joint

Question 5

Pathology of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 5

Involves inflammation and fibrosis of the shoulder joint capsule. This leads to thickening and tightening of the capsule resulting in restricted ROM. the conditions typically progresses through three stages. Freezing stage (pain), frozen (stiffness) and thawing stage (gradual recovery)

Question 6

Differential diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 6

Rotator cuff tear
Shoulder impingement syndrome
GH arthritis
Bursitis
Labral tear
Cervical radiculopathy

Question 7

Treatment of adhesive capsulitis

Answer 7

Physical therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroids injection
Surgical interventions