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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
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Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
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The Association Between Cervical Foraminal Stenosis and Adhesive Capsulitis: An Imaging-based Case-Control Study
Salvatore Russo1, Aadhar Sharma2, Robert Vardanyan3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Spine
|May 8, 2024
Summary
Cervical foraminal stenosis, particularly at C5, is strongly linked to adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). This suggests cervical radiculopathy may cause "neurogenic frozen shoulder," requiring multidisciplinary care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Shoulder symptoms are common in cervical spondylosis.
- Cervical radiculopathy, especially C5, can mimic adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
- This study investigates the link between adhesive capsulitis and cervical radiculopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between cervical foraminal stenosis and adhesive capsulitis.
- To explore the role of C5 radiculopathy in frozen shoulder development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study of 438 patients undergoing glenohumeral hydrodistension.
- Cervical spine MRI analyzed for foraminal stenosis (C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7) ipsilateral and contralateral to frozen shoulder.
- McNemar's exact test used to assess correlation strength.
Main Results:
- Significant association found between ipsilateral frozen shoulder and C4/5 foraminal stenosis (P=0.00000008636).
- Ipsilateral foraminal stenosis occurred in 57.3% of cases; 29.1% had bilateral stenosis.
- 78% reported ipsilateral neck pain; 44% had radiating shoulder pain.
Conclusions:
- Substantial association exists between C5 foraminal stenosis and ipsilateral frozen shoulder.
- C5 radiculopathy may be a risk factor for "neurogenic frozen shoulder".
- Coexistence of frozen shoulder and C5 radiculopathy should be recognized, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.
