Oral corticosteroids--their place in the management of adhesive capsulitis

The incidence of intrinsic disorders of the shoulder presenting in general practice has been estimated to be 14.7/1000 per year with adhesive capsulitis (also termed frozen shoulder, stiff painful shoulder or periarthritis) accounting for around 20% of cases (incidence 2.4/1000 per year), but occurring more frequently in the middle aged and those with diabetes. The aetiology of pathological findings of intra-articular inflammation and fibrosis is not known. Adhesive capsulitis is diagnosed clinically based on characteristic symptoms and signs: spontaneous onset of severe shoulder pain that interferes with activities of daily living and sleep, and progressive stiffness or restriction of both active and passive movements, especially elevation and external rotation.