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Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Orthopaedic Review
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a common condition causing shoulder pain and stiffness. This review summarizes current treatment options but highlights the lack of a definitive treatment algorithm due to its poorly understood cause.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition.
- It leads to significant functional limitations and morbidity across diverse patient groups.
- The exact etiology of adhesive capsulitis remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the various advocated treatment methods for adhesive capsulitis.
- To provide an overview of the current understanding of the disorder's etiology.
- To identify gaps in the treatment algorithm for frozen shoulder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on adhesive capsulitis.
- Summary of advocated therapeutic interventions.
- Analysis of current etiological theories.
Main Results:
- Numerous treatment modalities for adhesive capsulitis have been proposed and are detailed.
- Despite advances, the underlying cause of frozen shoulder is not fully elucidated.
- No definitive, universally accepted treatment algorithm exists.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive capsulitis presents a significant clinical challenge due to its unclear etiology.
- Current treatments offer varied approaches but lack a standardized protocol.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and establish definitive management strategies for frozen shoulder.