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The diabetic frozen shoulder: arthroscopic release
D J Ogilvie-Harris1, S Myerthall
1Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toronto Hospital, Canada.
Summary
Arthroscopic release effectively treated diabetic frozen shoulder patients unresponsive to other methods. This minimally invasive surgery significantly improved pain, range of motion, and function in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) presents significant pain and functional limitation.
- Conservative treatments often fail in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic release for diabetic frozen shoulder resistant to conservative management.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen diabetic patients underwent arthroscopic release, progressively freeing anterior capsular structures.
- Postoperative physiotherapy was administered daily.
- Patients were assessed 1-5 years post-surgery using the American Shoulder Society criteria, pain, external rotation, abduction, and function.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain, external rotation, abduction, and function.
- 13 out of 17 patients experienced complete pain relief, full range of motion, and normal function.
- One patient showed no improvement, and three had residual abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Arthroscopic release is an effective treatment for resistant diabetic frozen shoulder.
- The procedure offers substantial improvement in pain and function for the majority of patients.