title: Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: long-term results of conservative treatment.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. dudke@netvision.net.il
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Dudkiewicz
authors.forename: Ariel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oran
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salai
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palti
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pritsch
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal