Pathomechanics and operative management of chronic frozen shoulder

Forty-three patients who had recalcitrant chronic frozen shoulder were operated on between 1979 and 1993 and were followed up for an average of five years. The contracture of the coracohumeral ligament and the rotator interval appears to be the main lesion in chronic frozen shoulder. Release of the contracted structures, combined with appropriate exercise, relieved pain and restored motion of the shoulder in all patients.