[Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder]

Adhesive capsulitis is a painful stiff shoulder due to the thickening of the capsule and synovium. The main observed changes are hyperhaemia of the synovium and a capsular fibrosis similar to that of Dupuytren's disease. Stiffness involves mainly flexion, lateral rotation and abduction. In most cases, a spontaneous healing is observed within 12 to 30 months. When the capsulitis is disabling and pain still present, a joint distension followed by rehabilitation can be indicated. When the disability is important and mainly due to stiffness, a manipulation under anesthesia with or without arthroscopic release of soft tissues can be indicated.