Adhesive capsulitis / frozen shoulder

Question 1

What is another name for frozen shoulder?

Answer 1

Adhesive capsulitis

Question 2

What is adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 2

Where the glenohumeral joint capsule becomes contracted and adheres to the humeral head - causing pain and reduced range of movement

Question 3

How does adhesive capsulitis present?

Answer 3

Generalised deep, constant shoulder pain - may radiate to the bicep
Joint stiffness 
Reduced range of movement
Loss of arm swing
May be atrophy of deltoid muscle

Question 4

What are some differentials for shoulder pain?

Answer 4

Adhesive capsulitis
Acromioclavicular pathology
Subacromial impingement syndrome
Muscular tear
Autoimmune diseases such a rheumatoid or SLE

Question 5

How is adhesive capsulitis diagnosed?

Answer 5

Normally through clinical presentation.

X-Ray will be normal
MRI can show a thickening of the glenohumeral joint capsule

Question 6

How is adhesive capsulitis managed?

Answer 6

Self limiting - however often remain with reduced range of movement.
Also high recurrence.

Physiotherapy
Analgesia
Steroid joint injections

If no improvement can consider surgery - surgical release from the capsule or removal of capsular adhesions

Question 7

What are some complications of adhesive capsulitis?

Answer 7

Long term reduced range of movement

Recurrence - in the contralateral shoulder