Frozen shoulder

Question 1

What is another name for frozen shoulder?

Answer 1

Adhesive capsulitis

Question 2

What is frozen shoulder?

Answer 2

A condition where the glenohumeral joint capsule becomes contracted and adherent to the humeral head causing shoulder pain and reduced range of movement

Question 3

What causes frozen shoulder?

Answer 3

Primary is idiopathic but secondary can be from previous rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial impingement syndrome, biceps tendinopathy, previous surgical invention or trauma, inflammatory conditions and diabetes

Question 4

What are the three stages of progression of frozen shoulder?

Answer 4

Pain, freezing, thawing

Question 5

What are the clinical features of frozen shoulder?

Answer 5

generalised deep and constant pain of the shoulder which may radiate to the bicep and often disturb sleep, stiffness and reduction in function

Question 6

On examination of frozen shoulder what may be present?

Answer 6

loss of arm swing and atrophy of the deltoid muscle, generalised tenderness on palpation with poor localised pain, limited range of motion of external rotation and flexion of the shoulder

Question 7

What are the differential diagnosis for frozen shoulder?

Answer 7

Acromioclavicular pathology, subacromial impingement syndrome, muscular tear and autoimmune disease

Question 8

What investigations are done for a frozen shoulder?

Answer 8

usually clinical diagnosis, radiograph to rule out acromioclavilcar pathology, MRI imaging can show thickening of the glenohumeral joint capsule

Question 9

What is the management for frozen shoulder?

Answer 9

Education and reassurance, keep active, physiotherapy, pain management, injections and steroids, surgery- joint manipulation under GA, remove capsular adhesions to the humerus, orthographic distension or surgical release of the glenohumeral joint capsule