Authors' recommendations: Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and stiffness, affecting 2% to 5% of the general population. The condition is characterized by spontaneous onset of pain and progressive stiffening of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, causing limited mobility and disability. Although the condition is often self-limiting, with a few patients experiencing spontaneous recovery, up to 40% of patients have persistent symptoms and experience restricted movement for more than 3 years, and 15% of affected patients have a persistent disability. The etiology and the pathophysiology of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis are not well understood. There is no standard therapy for restoring motion and reducing pain in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Current treatment includes exercise, physical therapy, glucocorticosteroid injections, oral corticosteroid treatment, manipulation under anesthetic, and arthroscopic release in refractory cases. However, there is no clear evidence of the efficacy of these treatment options for improving pain and function or for changing the natural progression of adhesive capsulitis.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2011

URL for published report: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=13307

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2011 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc