Outcomes of arthroscopic capsular release for the diabetic frozen shoulder in Asian patients

Diabetic patients have been known to have a higher incidence of frozen shoulder. Arthroscopic capsular release has been described for diabetic frozen shoulder refractory to non-surgical treatment. We describe our single-surgeon experience of this procedure done in Asian patients presenting with diabetic frozen shoulder.

Data were prospectively collected from 25 patients from 2007 to 2008, who underwent arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder with diabetes mellitus. This included the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score by an independent observer. Mean follow-up duration was 44.3 ± 22 months with the age of 57.3 ± 10.9 years at the time of surgery. Mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 8.9 ± 7.5 months. Ten right shoulders and 15 left shoulders were operated on. Arthroscopic capsular release was performed in the beach chair position with the aid of a 90° electrocautery hook, from the rotator interval to posterior capsule. Significant improvement was observed in the UCLA scores post-operatively (preoperative total score 15.8 ± 3.6 vs. post-operative 33.3 ± 2.5, p < 0.00), including all domains of pain (3.9 ± 1.8 vs. 9.4 ± 0.9, p < 0.00), function (4.8 ± 1.7 vs. 9.4 ± 1.4, p < 0.00), active forward flexion (2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.00) and satisfaction (0.0 ± 0.0 vs. 5.0 ± 0.0, p < 0.00). No significant correlation between duration of symptoms and UCLA scores. Significant improvement was observed in forward flexion (preoperative 100.4 ± 18.8° vs. post-operative 157.6 ± 15.9°, p < 0.00) and external rotation (preoperative 14.4 ± 6.34° vs. post-operative 63.8 ± 8.3°, p < 0.00). Although the duration of symptoms correlated significantly with preoperative forward flexion ( r = 0.443 and p < 0.027), there was no significant correlation with post-operative forward flexion ( r = 0.023 and p < 0.91). No axillary nerve palsy observed.

The diabetic frozen shoulder can be treated favourably with arthroscopic capsular release and the duration of symptoms prior to surgery does not affect the outcomes.