A Comprehensive Update of Adhesive Capsulitis and Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Riki Patel, Patel R, Urits I, Ivan Urits, John Wolf, Wolf J, Murthy A, Anu Murthy, Elyse M. Cornett, Cornett EM, Jones MR, Mark R Jones, Anh L Ngo, Ngo AL, Manchikanti L, Laxmaiah Manchikanti, Alan D. Kaye, Kaye AD, Omar Viswanath, Viswanath O
Psychopharmacology bulletin · 2020 · vol. 50(4 Suppl 1) , pp. 91–107 · doi:10.64719/pb.4384 · PMID:33633420 · PMC7901130
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This review article examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and natural history of adhesive capsulitis while evaluating conservative, interventional, and surgical treatment options for this condition.

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This review article examines adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, detailing its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and natural history. The authors analyze various treatment modalities ranging from conservative measures and physical therapy to invasive options like intraarticular injections and arthroscopic capsulotomy for refractory cases. A major limitation noted is the lack of consensus on optimal treatment due to limited evidence in the literature. The paper does not explicitly discuss endometriosis or adenomyosis; it was included in the corpus via a keyword match in the upstream search index.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC) is characterized by fibrosis and contracture of the glenohumeral joint capsule, resulting in progressive stiffness, pain, and restriction of motion of the shoulder. The prevalence of AC is estimated to be 2-5% of the general population. Patients with AC typically have an insidious onset of pain and can progress to severe limitation of the shoulder leading to significant disability and decreased quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of AC with a focus on clinical presentation, natural history, pathophysiology, and various treatment modalities. STUDY DESIGN: A review article. SETTING: A review of literature. METHODS: A search was made on the Pubmed database using the keywords of adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder capsulitis, arthrofibrosis, shoulder pain, shoulder stiffness. RESULTS: Our search identified numerous studies in order to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the treatment and management of AC. LIMITATIONS: There remains limited evidence in literature about the understanding of AC and optimal treatment. CONCLUSION: AC is an important cause of chronic pain and disability. There is currently no consensus on treatment. Initial treatment modalities revolve around conservative measures as well as aggressive physical therapy. Further treatment options include intraarticular injections, hydro-dilation, nerve blocks, and for more refractory cases, surgical interventions such as arthroscopic capsulotomy.
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Abstract

Background Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC) is characterized by fibrosis and contracture of the glenohumeral joint capsule, resulting in progressive stiffness, pain, and restriction of motion of the shoulder. The prevalence of AC is estimated to be 2–5% of the general population. Patients with AC typically have an insidious onset of pain and can progress to severe limitation of the shoulder leading to significant disability and decreased quality of life.

Objectives

The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of AC with a focus on clinical presentation, natural history, pathophysiology, and various treatment modalities. Study Design A review article. Setting A review of literature.

Methods

A search was made on the Pubmed database using the keywords of adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder capsulitis, arthrofibrosis, shoulder pain, shoulder stiffness.

Results

Our search identified numerous studies in order to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the treatment and management of AC.

Limitations

There remains limited evidence in literature about the understanding of AC and optimal treatment.

Conclusion

AC is an important cause of chronic pain and disability. There is currently no consensus on treatment. Initial treatment modalities revolve around conservative measures as well as aggressive physical therapy. Further treatment options include intraarticular injections, hydro-dilation, nerve blocks, and for more refractory cases, surgical interventions such as arthroscopic capsulotomy.

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