The results of arthroscopic capsular release in the treatment of frozen shoulder - two-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
The term frozen shoulder refers to an inflammatory condition characterized by pain and reduced range of passive and active motion of the shoulder. Initial management is mostly conservative. In some cases, however, invasive treatment is necessary. Given the dearth of available data on long-term operative outcomes, it appears interesting to present a comprehensive discussion of this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of range of motion and function of the affected shoulder after a minimum of two-year follow-up following arthroscopic capsular release of idiopathic and posttraumatic frozen shoulder.


METHODS
The study enrolled 30 patients with frozen shoulder, including 16 patients with idiopathic FS and 14 patients with posttraumatic frozen shoulder. All patients had an anteroinferior capsular release and three additionally had a posterior capsulotomy. After a minimum of two-years of follow-up, the shoulder's range of motion and limb function were evaluated according to a modified version of the Constant-Murley Score (0-75), the ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) score and a subjective scale designed by the authors.


RESULTS
The improvement in the range of motion after arthroscopic capsular release was considerable and statistically significant (p<0.05) compared to pre-operative values both intraoperatively and after a minimum of two years of follow-up in both groups and across all planes of movement tested. The improvement of function of the shoulder after a minimum two years following arthroscopic capsular release was significant (p<0.05) according to the Constant-Murley score (from 19.3 preoperatively to 65.9 postoperatively, 0-75) and the ASES score (from 22.8 preoperatively to 92.7 postoperatively, 0-100).


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic capsular release significantly improved the range of motion and function in idiopathic and posttraumatic frozen shoulder.
Waszczykowski
Michał
M
Department of Arthroscopy, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Sports Traumatology, Medical University of Łódź. mwaszczykowski@wp.pl
Fabiś
Jarosław
J
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003286:Contracture / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000601:surgery*; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome