Abstract

Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the capsular subsynovial layer, which produces capsular fibrosis, contracture, and adherence of the capsule to itself and to the anatomic neck of the humerus. Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, regardless of stage. Based on the natural history of the disease, early corticosteroid injection has a role in shortening the overall duration of symptoms allowing patients to move faster in the stages of rehabilitation and thus return to their daily life activities more rapidly. Most patients will see complete resolution of symptoms with nonsurgical management.

In cases with refractory stiffness, manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release may be indicated. Because of various potential risks of complications with manipulations, arthroscopic capsular release is preferred. There is a lack of high level studies comparing different techniques for capsular release. Both circumferential and limited release have proven to be effective. Regarding postoperative rehabilitation, arthroscopic release should be followed by early, diligent, and directed therapy to prevent recurrent stiffness.