Frozen Shoulder: Diagnosis and Management

"Frozen shoulder" comprises a group of conditions caused by different processes. Effective treatment depends on recognition of the underlying pathologic dis-order in each individual case. Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis usually responds to nonoperative therapy or closed manipulation, but shoulder stiffness due to trauma or surgery may necessitate either an arthroscopic or an open-release procedure. Both of these technically demanding techniques are effective in restoring motion in cases of frozen shoulder refractory to nonoperative treatment.