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Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Sultan Mahmood Babar, FAAFP, CAQSM, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder:

    • Presents as progressive painful restriction in range of movement of the glenohumeral (GH) joint

    • Course usually involves diminishment of pain, b...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Identify possible risk factors.

  • Progressive and worsening stiffness of the GH joint

  • Majority will have diffuse shoulder pain, especially at the beginning of the disease.

  • On the late phas...

TREATMENT

  • In most cases, self-limited

  • Physical therapy with exercises within the limits of pain

  • Manage patient expectations; resolution often takes 18 months of medication and rehabilitation.

  • Treat any u...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • After establishing a diagnosis, assess the need for pain control and start the patient on NSAIDs, in combination with a gentle exercise program with guidance with...

REFERENCES

1
Le HV, Lee SJ, Nazarian A, et al. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: review of pathophysiology and current clinical treatments. Shoulder Elbow. 2017;9(2):75-84.
2
Suh CH, Yun SJ, Jin W, et...

CODES

ICD10

  • M75.00 Adhesive capsulitis of unspecified shoulder

  • M75.01 Adhesive capsulitis of right shoulder

  • M75.02 Adhesive capsulitis of left shoulder

SNOMED

  • 399114005 adhesive capsulitis of shoulder (dis...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is generally a self-limiting global restriction in ROM of the shoulder joint. Up to 15% will have disability long-term.

  • Natural course consists of...

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