Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
04:46
Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
Primary frozen shoulder: global capsular stiffness versus localized contracture
Hans K Uhthoff1, Pascal Boileau
1Universiy of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. hans.uhthoff@sympatico.ca
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|December 21, 2006
Summary
Frozen shoulder stiffness involves distinct processes: contracture is localized to the anterior capsule, while fibroplasia affects the entire joint capsule. This finding differentiates the mechanisms behind this common shoulder condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Primary frozen shoulder (idiopathic adhesive capsulitis) causes significant shoulder stiffness.
- Capsular fibroplasia is considered the primary cause of stiffness.
- Surgical release often restores motion, suggesting localized issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of vimentin and collagen types I and III in frozen shoulder capsules.
- To determine if fibroplasia and contracture are distinct processes in primary frozen shoulder.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anterior and posterior capsule tissues from four patients with primary frozen shoulder.
- Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against vimentin, collagen type I, and collagen type III.
Main Results:
- Vimentin was exclusively found in the anterior capsular structures.
- Collagen types I and III were detected in both anterior and posterior capsular structures.
- Findings support selective anterior capsule involvement in contracture and global involvement in fibroplasia.
Conclusions:
- In primary frozen shoulder, contracture appears to be a selective process involving the anterior capsule.
- Fibroplasia, indicated by collagen deposition, involves the entire joint capsule.
- These findings suggest fibroplasia and contracture are distinct pathophysiological processes in frozen shoulder.
