Frozen Shoulder

Question 1

What is frozen shoulder

Answer 1

Also known as adhesive capsulitis

A chronic fibrosing condition causing progressive restriction of range of motion

Question 2

Who is most commonly affected by frozen shoulder

Answer 2

40-65 y/o

More common in women

Question 3

What are the clinical features of frozen shoulder

Answer 3

Decreased range of movement at shoulder joint - both active and passive
Shoulder pain associated with stiffness

Question 4

What is the first movement to be restricted in frozen shoulder

Answer 4

External rotation

Question 5

What are the 3 phases of a frozen shoulder

Answer 5

1) Pain associated with stiffness
2) Pain subsides but the shoulder is stiff. Movement becomes more limited
3) Shoulder becomes less stiff. Increase in the range of movement

Question 6

How is frozen shoulder managed

Answer 6

It is a self limiting condition that usually resolves over 18-24 months

Conservative:
Physiotherapy
Manipulation in resistant patients

Medical:
NSAIDs
Intra-articular steroid injection

Surgical:
Arthroscopic capsular release (for refractory cases)