Peer Reviewed
Rheumatology clinic
Dealing with frozen shoulder
Abstract
Frozen shoulder can be a difficult problem to diagnose and manage. The aetiology is not known, and the evidence to support accepted treatments is scant and of questionable quality.
Key Points
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis or periarthritis) is a relatively common and painful condition associated with global restriction of passive movement. The pathology is poorly understood, but arthroscopic studies show that fibrous tissue changes and inflammation occur around the area near the subscapularis bursa at the rotator interval. These changes can be visualised on MRI, which may suggest the diagnosis without providing definitive identification.
Purchase the PDF version of this article
Already a subscriber? Login here.