Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Adhesive Capsulitis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Shoulder Arthroscopy

  • 3051 Accesses

Abstract

Despite extensive research, the adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is pathology of uncertain etiology and with poor consensus regarding the optimal method of treatment. The first appearance of a description of a pathologic condition of the shoulder generically defined as scapulohumeral periarthritis that leads to stiffness hails in the nineteenth century in France and in the USA. In 1934, Codman first introduced the term “frozen shoulder” to identify a clinical entity difficult to define, to treat, and to explain. Neviaser identified as “adhesive capsulitis” a “chronic inflammatory process involving the capsule of the shoulder causing a thickening and contracture of this structure which secondarily becomes adherent to the humeral head.” Zuckerman and Cuomo defined the condition as a condition characterized by “significant restriction of both active and passive shoulder motion that occurs in the absence of a known intrinsic shoulder disorder.”

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 239.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Duplay ES. De la periarthrite scapulo-humerale. Rev Frat Trav Med. 1896;53:226.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Putnam JJ. The treatment of a form of painful periarthritis of the shoulder. Boston Med Surg. 1882;107:536–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Codman EA. The shoulder. Boston: Thomas Todd; 1934. p. 216–24.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Neviaser JS. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 1945;27A:211–22.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Zuckerman J, Cuomo F. Frozen shoulder. In: Hawkins R, editor. The shoulder: a balance of mobility and stability. Rosemont: AAOS; 1993:253–67.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Wolf JM, Green A. Influence of comorbidity on self-assessment instrument scores of patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. J Bone Joint Surg. 2002;84A:1167–73.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Bridgman JF. Periarthritis of the shoulder and diabetes mellitus. Ann Rheum Dis. 1972;31:69–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Hand C, Clipsham K, Rees JL, Carr AJ. Long-term outcome of frozen shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2008;17:231–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Reeves B. The natural history of the frozen shoulder syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol. 1975;4:193–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Shaffer B, Tibone JE, Kerlan RK. Frozen shoulder. A long-term follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg. 1992;74A:738–46.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Helms G, Kuhn T, Moser L, Remmel E, Kreienberg R. Shoulder-arm morbidity in patients with sentinel node biopsy and complete axillary dissection-data from a prospective randomised trial. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2009;35:696–701.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Patten C, Hillel AD. The 11th nerve syndrome. Accessory nerve palsy or adhesive capsulitis? Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993;119:215–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Arkkila PE, Kantola IM, Viikari JS, Ronnemaa T. Shoulder capsulitis in type I and II diabetic patients: association with diabetic complications and related diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 1996;55:907–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Thomas SJ, McDougall C, Brown ID, Jaberoo MC, Stearns A, Ashraf R, et al. Prevalence of symptoms and signs of shoulder problems in people with diabetes mellitus. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16:748–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Yian EH, Contreras R, Sodl JF. Effects of glycemic control on prevalence of diabetic frozen shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 2012;94A:919–23.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Cakir M, Samanci N, Balci N, Balci MK. Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with thyroid disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003;59:162–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Tuten HR, Young DC, Douoguih WA, Lenhardt KM, Wilkerson JP, Adelaar RS. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in male cardiac surgery patients. Orthopedics. 2000;23:693–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Riley D, Lang AE, Blair RD, Birnbaum A, Reid B. Frozen shoulder and other shoulder disturbances in Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1989;52:63–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Bruckner FE, Nye CJ. A prospective study of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (“frozen shoulder”) in a high risk population. Q J Med. 1981;50:191–204.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Gheita TA, Ezzat Y, Sayed S, El-Mardenly G, Hammam W. Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with malignant disease. Clin Rheumatol. 2010;29:181–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Hakim AJ, Cherkas LF, Spector TD, MacGregor AJ. Genetic associations between frozen shoulder and tennis elbow: a female twin study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2003;42:739–42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Bunker TD, Anthony PP. The pathology of frozen shoulder. A Dupuytren-like disease. J Bone Joint Surg. 1995;77B:677–83.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Smith SP, Devaraj VS, Bunker TD. The association between frozen shoulder and Dupuytren’s disease. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2001;10:149–51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Bodor M, Montalvo E. Vaccination-related shoulder dysfunction. Vaccine. 2007;25:585–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Freiss S, Lecocq J, Isner ME, Vautravers P. Frozen shoulder and fluoroquinones. Two case reports. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67:245–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. De Ponti A, Vigano MG, Taverna E, Sansone V. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients during highly active antiretroviral therapy. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;15:188–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Hazleman BL. Frozen shoulder. Surgical disorders of the shoulder. New York: Churchill-Livingstone; 1991. p. 167–79.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Bunker TD, Reilly J, Baird KS, Hamblen DL. Expression of growth factors, cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in frozen shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 2000;82B:768–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Kanbe K, Inoue K, Inoue Y, Chen Q. Inducement of mitogen-activated protein kinases in frozen shoulders. J Orthop Sci. 2009;14:56–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Rodeo SA, Hannafin JA, Tom J, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL. Immunolocalization of cytokines and their receptors in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. J Orthop Res. 1997;15:427–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Ryu JD, Kirpalani PA, Kim JM, Nam KH, Han CW, Han SH. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis in the diabetic frozen shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;15:679–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Neer 2nd CS, Satterlee CC, Dalsey RM, Flatow EL. The anatomy and potential effects of contracture of the coracohumeral ligament. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992;280:182–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Kim KC, Rhee KJ, Shin HD. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: dimensions of the rotator interval measured with magnetic resonance arthrography. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009;18:437–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Connell D, Padmanabhan R, Buchbinder R. Adhesive capsulitis: role of MR imaging in differential diagnosis. Eur Radiol. 2002;12:2100–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Wiley AM. Arthroscopic appearance of frozen shoulder. Arthroscopy. 1991;7:138–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Hannafin JA, DiCarlo ED, Wickiewicz TL, Warren EF. Adhesive capsulitis: capsular fibroplasia of the glenohumeral joint. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1994;3:S5.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Hutchinson JW, Tierney GM, Parsons SL, Davis TR. Dupuytren’s disease and frozen shoulder induced by treatment with a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor. J Bone Joint Surg. 1998;80B:907–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Brownlee M, Cerami A, Vlassara H. Advanced glycosylation end products in tissue and the biochemical basis of diabetic complications. N Engl J Med. 1988;318:1315–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Brownlee M, Vlassara H, Cerami A. Nonenzymatic glycosylation and the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Ann Intern Med. 1984;101:527–37.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Hannafin JA, Chiaia TA. Adhesive capsulitis. A treatment approach. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2000;372:95–109.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Neviaser RJ, Neviaser TJ. The frozen shoulder. Diagnosis and management. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1987;223:59–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Kelley MJ, McClure PW, Leggin BG. Frozen shoulder: evidence and a proposed model guiding rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39:135–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Carbone S, Gumina S, Vestri AR, Postacchini R. Coracoid pain test: a new clinical sign of shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Int Orthop. 2010;34:385–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Rundquist PJ, Anderson DD, Guanche CA, Ludewig PM. Shoulder kinematics in subjects with frozen shoulder. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003;84:1473–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Cyriax J. Textbook of orthopaedic medicine: diagnosis of soft tissue lesions. 7th ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Kelley MJ, Shaffer MA, Kuhn JE, Michener LA, Seitz AL, Uhl TL, et al. Shoulder pain and mobility deficits: adhesive capsulitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43:A1–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Sheridan MA, Hannafin JA. Upper extremity: emphasis on frozen shoulder. Orthop Clin North Am. 2006;37:531–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Leggin B, Kelley MJ, Pontillo M. Impairments and function in patients with frozen shoulder compared to patients with rotator cuff tendonopathy. In: Second International Congress of Shoulder Therapists, Bahia, 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Neviaser JS. Arthrography of the shoulder joint: study of the findings in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 1962;44A:1321–30.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Loyd JA, Loyd HM. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: arthrographic diagnosis and treatment. South Med J. 1983;76:879–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Binder AI, Bulgen DY, Hazleman BL, Tudor J, Wraight P. Frozen shoulder: an arthrographic and radionuclear scan assessment. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984;43:365–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Lee JC, Sykes C, Saifuddin A, Connell D. Adhesive capsulitis: sonographic changes in the rotator cuff interval with arthroscopic correlation. Skeletal Radiol. 2005;34:522–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Lee JC, Guy S, Connell D, Saifuddin A, Lambert S. MRI of the rotator interval of the shoulder. Clin Radiol. 2007;62:416–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Sofka CM, Ciavarra GA, Hannafin JA, Cordasco FA, Potter HG. Magnetic resonance imaging of adhesive capsulitis: correlation with clinical staging. HSS J. 2008;4:164–9.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Neviaser AS, Hannafin JA. Adhesive capsulitis: a review of current treatment. Am J Sports Med. 2010;38:2346–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Green S, Buchbinder R, Hetrick S. Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;2:CD004258.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Levine WN, Kashyap CP, Bak SF, Ahmad CS, Blaine TA, Bigliani LU. Nonoperative management of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16:569–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Dangoisse MJ, Wilson DJ, Glynn CJ. MRI and clinical study of an easy and safe technique of suprascapular nerve blockade. Acta Anaesthesiol Belg. 1994;45:49–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Farrell CM, Sperling JW, Cofield RH. Manipulation for frozen shoulder: long-term results. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2005;14:480–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Marx RG, Malizia RW, Kenter K, Wickiewicz TL, Hannafin JA. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection for the treatment of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. HSS J. 2007;3:202–7.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Vermeulen HM, Rozing PM, Obermann WR, le Cessie S, Vliet Vlieland TP. Comparison of high-grade and low-grade mobilization techniques in the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2006;86:355–68.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Light KE, Nuzik S, Personius W, Barstrom A. Low-load prolonged stretch vs. high-load brief stretch in treating knee contractures. Phys Ther. 1984;64:330–3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Roubal PJ, Dobritt D, Placzek JD. Glenohumeral gliding manipulation following interscalene brachial plexus block in patients with adhesive capsulitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1996;24:66–77.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Rundquist PJ, Ludewig PM. Patterns of motion loss in subjects with idiopathic loss of shoulder range of motion. Clin Biomech. 2004;19:810–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Downie WW, Bird HA, Wright V, Engler C. Naproxen and indomethacin in periarthritis of the shoulder. Rheumatol Rehabil. 1982;21:51–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Duke O, Zecler E, Grahame R. Anti-inflammatory drugs in periarthritis of the shoulder: a double-blind, between-patient study of naproxen versus indomethacin. Rheumatol Rehabil. 1981;20:54–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Blockey NJ, Wright JK, Kellgren JH. Oral cortisone therapy in periarthritis of the shoulder: a controlled trial. Br Med J. 1954;1:1455–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Buchbinder R, Hoving JL, Green S, Hall S, Forbes A, Nash P. Short course prednisolone for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder or stiff painful shoulder): a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004;63:1460–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Binder A, Hazleman BL, Parr G, Roberts S. A controlled study of oral prednisolone in frozen shoulder. Br J Rheumatol. 1986;25:288–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Rizk TE, Pinals RS, Talaiver AS. Corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis: investigation of their value and site. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1991;72:20–2.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Bulgen DY, Binder AI, Hazleman BL, Dutton J, Roberts S. Frozen shoulder: prospective clinical study with an evaluation of three treatment regimens. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984;43:353–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Van der Windt DA, Koes BW, Deville W, Boeke AJ, de Jong BA, Bouter LM. Effectiveness of corticosteroid injections versus physiotherapy for treatment of painful stiff shoulder in primary care: randomized trial. BMJ. 1998;317:1292–6.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Ryans I, Montgomery A, Galway R, Kernohan WG, McKane R. A randomized controlled trial of intra-articular triamcinolone and/or physiotherapy in shoulder capsulitis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005;44:529–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Hazleman BL. The painful stiff shoulder. Rheumatol Phys Med. 1972;11:413–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Griggs SM, Ahn A, Green A. Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: a prospective functional outcome study of nonoperative treatment. J Bone Joint Surg. 2000;82A:1398–407.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Dahan TH, Fortin L, Pelletier M, Petit M, Vadeboncoeur R, Suissa S. Double blind randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of bupivacaine suprascapular nerve blocks in frozen shoulder. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:1464–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Jones DS, Chattopadhyay C. Suprascapular nerve block for the treatment of frozen shoulder in primary care: a randomized trial. Br J Gen Pract. 1999;49:39–41.

    CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Quraishi NA, Johnston P, Bayer J, Crowe M, Chakrabarti AJ. Thawing the frozen shoulder: a randomised trial comparing manipulation under anaesthesia with hydrodilatation. J Bone Joint Surg. 2007;89B:1197–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Buchbinder R, Green S, Youd JM, Johnston RV, Cumpston M. Arthrographic distension for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;1:CD007005.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Kivimaki J, Pohjolainen T, Malmivaara A, Kannisto M, Guillaume J, Seitsalo S, et al. Manipulation under anesthesia with home exercises versus home exercises alone in the treatment of frozen shoulder: a randomized, controlled trial with 125 patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16:722–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Conti V. Arthroscopy in rehabilitation. Orthop Clin North Am. 1979;10:709–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Pollock RG, Duralde XA, Flatow EL, Bigliani LU. The use of arthroscopy in the treatment of resistant frozen shoulder. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1994;304:30–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Warner JJ, Allen AA, Marks PH, Wong P. Arthroscopic release of postoperative capsular contracture of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 1997;79A:1151–8.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Myerthall S. The diabetic frozen shoulder: arthroscopic release. Arthroscopy. 1997;13:1–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Nicholson GP. Arthroscopic capsular release for stiff shoulders: effect of etiology on outcomes. Arthroscopy. 2003;19:40–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Jerosch J. 360 degrees arthroscopic capsular release in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint: indication, surgical technique, results. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2001;9:178–86.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Ovesen J, Nielsen S. Anterior and posterior shoulder instability: a cadaver study. Acta Orthop Scand. 1986;57:324–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Snow M, Boutros I, Funk L. Posterior arthroscopic capsular release in frozen shoulder. Arthroscopy. 2009;25:19–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Ozaki J, Nakagawa Y, Sakurai G, Tamai S. Recalcitrant chronic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: role of contracture of the coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval in pathogenesis and treatment. J Bone Joint Surg. 1989;71A:1511–5.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Casa di Cura Villa Valeria, Piazza Carnaro 18, Rome, 00141, Italy

    Matteo Salvatore MD, Carmine Latte MD & Andrea Grasso MD

  2. Catholic University, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, “A. Gemelli” University Hospital, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, 00182, Italy

    Giuseppe Milano MD

Authors
  1. Matteo Salvatore MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Carmine Latte MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Giuseppe Milano MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Andrea Grasso MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matteo Salvatore MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Giuseppe Milano

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Casa di Cura Villa Valeria, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Andrea Grasso

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Salvatore, M., Latte, C., Milano, G., Grasso, A. (2014). Adhesive Capsulitis. In: Milano, G., Grasso, A. (eds) Shoulder Arthroscopy. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5427-3_29

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5427-3_29

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-5426-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-5427-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation