Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: long-term results of conservative treatment.
BACKGROUND
Adhesive capsulitis, also termed "frozen shoulder," is controversial by definition and diagnostic criteria that are not sufficiently understood. The clinical course of this condition is considered self-limiting and is divided into three clinical phases. Several treatment methods for adhesive capsulitis have been reported in the literature, none of which has proven superior to others.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term follow-up of patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis who were treated conservatively.


METHODS
We conducted a long-term follow-up (range 5.5-16 years, mean 9.2 years) of 54 patients suffering from idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. All patients were treated with physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.


RESULTS
An increased statistically significant improvement (P < 0.00001) was found between the first and last visits to the clinic in all measured movement directions: elevation and external and internal rotation.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative treatment (physical therapy and NSAIDs) is a good long-term treatment regimen for idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.
Dudkiewicz
Israel
I
Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. dudke@netvision.net.il
Oran
Ariel
A
Salai
Moshe
M
Palti
Ram
R
Pritsch
Moshe
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002062:Bursitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal