Evaluation of the results of management of frozen shoulder using the arthroscopic capsular release.

BACKGROUND The aim of treatment of frozen shoulder is to regain a painless and functional shoulder range of shoulder motion. In this study we evaluated the results of using the arthroscopic technique for the release of the shoulder joint capsule in patients with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 40 patients with frozen shoulder. They were operated upon with the use of electrocautery for the release of the shoulder joint capsule. The group consisted of 29 women and 11 men with a mean age of 48.2 years (range 38-62). RESULTS Preoperatively, the mean Constant and Murly shoulder score was 36.35 (range 21-51). At the end of the follow up period, the mean score was 85.8 (range 62 to 98). The difference between the means of pre- and postoperative total score was statistically significant (t =10.85 and p=0.0001). 22 patients (55%) had excellent results, 14 patients (35%) had good results, 4 patients (10%) had fair results and none had poor results. The 4 cases with fair results were all female, all had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and were > 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS 1. Arthroscopic capsular release is an effective and safe method for the treatment of refractory frozen shoulder. 2. It achieves dramatic pain and motion improvement post-operatively, allowing very early postoperative rehabilitation.