[Frozen shoulder]

Abstract

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful inflammatory disorder with an unknown pathogenesis characterised by progressive fibrosis of the capsule. Frozen shoulder presents clinically with intense pain at rest and passive restricted motion. In general, treatment modalities seem to relieve pain and improve the range of movement, but no single treatment modality has been shown to affect the long-term outcome. Initially, a non-operative approach is traditionally recommended. Oral or intraarticular injection of cortisone relieves short-term pain. In refractory cases, arthroscopic capsular release is suggested.