The Orthobullets Podcast Foundations⎪Shoulder & Elbow⎪Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Apr 25, 2025
Explore the intricacies of adhesive capsulitis, from its symptoms to various treatment options like physical therapy and surgery. Discover how endocrine disorders can complicate management. Dive into the anatomical boundaries of the rotator interval and its crucial role in shoulder stability. Learn about techniques for identification and the surgical implications, along with misconceptions about glenohumeral joint translation. This discussion offers a wealth of knowledge for frontline MSK providers.
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Essence of Adhesive Capsulitis
- Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder causes loss of both active and passive shoulder motion.
- It is commonly associated with diabetes and thyroid disease affecting mainly women aged 40 to 60.
Treatment Approach
- Treat adhesive capsulitis first with supervised physical therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid injections.
- Surgery like manipulation under anesthesia is reserved for cases not improving after months of therapy.
Pathophysiology and Associations
- Adhesive capsulitis results from fibroblastic proliferation causing joint capsule contracture.
- This process is linked to endocrine disorders like diabetes and hypothyroidism, especially with elevated HbA1c and TSH levels.