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Frozen Shoulder: Reported Outcomes and Results: What Should We and the Patient Expect?

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Shoulder Stiffness

Abstract

Shoulder stiffness is a common problem with an unknown etiology that dramatically impacts shoulder range of motion and limits functional abilities. Risk factors for frozen shoulder commonly include diabetes, female gender, age 40–60 years, and prolonged immobilization. Conservative management is the appropriate first-line treatment, but it is not always successful. This chapter presents evidence to support options for surgical intervention including hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, coracohumeral ligament release, and arthroscopic 360° capsular release. Caution must be used when performing manipulation under anesthesia as it carries risk of iatrogenic fracture or soft tissue injury as a consequence of the forces used to break up capsular adhesions. Coracohumeral ligament release is a less frequently performed procedure because of the open approach, but it improves pain, function, and range of motion when a concomitant open procedure is indicated. Arthroscopic 360° capsular release is the treatment of choice for recalcitrant cases of frozen shoulder as it improves humeral head translation and shoulder range of motion with the least risk to the patient.

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Correspondence to Kevin D. Plancher MD, MS .

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Plancher, K.D., Petterson, S.C. (2015). Frozen Shoulder: Reported Outcomes and Results: What Should We and the Patient Expect?. In: Itoi, E., et al. Shoulder Stiffness. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46370-3_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46370-3_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-46369-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-46370-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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