This is the terminology given to the condition where the shoulder generally becomes very tight and movements are reduced along with pain and stiffness. This is one of the common shoulder problem occurring in the middle age. It is seen in 1 in 50 population.
Though the condition is common, it has not yet been identified the exact reason why some get it. The risk factors for developing this condition are as follows – Diabetes, Thyroid imbalance, Parkinson’s disease and Cardiac disease, Post surgery or Post fracture around shoulder and Prolonged immobilization.
It has a long course and more commonly seen in those having Diabetes and those who smoke cigarette. This condition has been figured out to have three phases and the total duration of these phases can last up to 2 years. The three stages are as follows.
Freezing Phase: Due to increasing severity of pain, the shoulder loses range of movement. This could last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
Frozen phase: The pain actually improves but leftover with inability to move the shoulder effectively. This period can last for 4 to 6 months.
Thawing phase: Range of movement starts improving and people start gaining function, This could last for another six months to sometimes even upto 2 years.
Diagnosis is by thorough physical examination and investigations. The investigations such as X ray and MRI are essentially normal. These investigations are done in order to exclude other possible diagnosis.
Frozen shoulder probably would get better over time. But this could take up to 3 years. It is essential to start some exercises in order to get movements. Anti inflammatory medications and injection into the shoulder joint with steroid can give short-term moderate relief.
Stretching, Massaging and Range of motion exercises under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist will be much useful in the management of this condition.
Those who do not improve with physiotherapy a surgical procedure called Arthroscopic capsular release with manipulation of shoulder can improve the condition. After surgery, all of them need physiotherapy to preserve the range of motion that was acquired during surgery. The total recovery of the condition could be as long as 6 months despite having a surgery.
We also ensure that the whole team is included in process and that no one is left out during the turnaround. The most crucial part is ensuring some degree of financial stability.
This procedure is recommended in those who fail to respond to conservative treatment measures such as steroid injection into the shoulder joint and physiotherapy. In this procedure the tight capsule (lining of the shoulder joint) and tight muscles are released and shoulder movements are gained.
Arthroscopic capsular release for the frozen shoulder joint is done by two or three tiny incisions of less than 1cm. The stab incisions are done around the shoulder joint. Tiny tubular camera is introduced through this stab incision and the shoulder joint is thoroughly visualized. The lining of the shoulder joint called capsule is usually thick and contracted in this condition. The tight capsule around the socket of the shoulder joint is released with the help of special radio frequency probe. A muscle called subscapularis, which is also tight in this condition, is also released with the help of this radiofrequency probe. This radiofrequency probe generates heat and cuts the tissue in a controlled fashion.
Once the capsule is cut around the socket of the shoulder joint, gentle manipulation of the shoulder joint is performed. This ensues that the full range of motion of the shoulder joint is achieved. Once the surgery is performed, the tiny stab incisions are closed with a small stitch to the skin.
The physiotherapist will see in the postoperative ward and will teach the exercises that needs to be performed over the next few weeks in order to preserve the joint motion that were acquired by arthroscopic surgery.
The success rate of this surgery is variable, but it is better than other forms of treatment. Complications are minimal. There may be small oozing from the wounds sometimes, but usually the swelling and the oozing settles down in a week or two.
Infection, chondral damage and axillary nerve damage have been reporting as rare complications
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet any as consectetur. Ut tellus suspendisse nulla that aliquam.
2024 bdoctor. All Rights Reserved by Profile Name.
The Vale Specialty Ortho Clinic is committed to advanced medical care through innovative and efficient services, creating an environment of continued quality improvement and expertise of the best physicians.
45, Collector Office Road, Opp.Hotel Star Residency, Anna Bus Stand, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020
2026 Vale Hospital. All Rights Reserved by Profile Name.