Arthroscopic release in the management of frozen shoulder

ABSTRACT

A prospective study was performed on 18 patients who developed frozen shoulders with variable degrees of complaint and severity. They all failed to respond to conservative treatment. Intraarticular corticosteroids were administrated as a part of the conservative treatment. Approximately half of the patients who responded initially to the latter regimen still their symptoms recurred. Postoperative physiotherapy was carried to maintain the range of movement. They were ten males and eight females, their ages ranged from 34 to 56 years. The follow up period varied from 1 to 5 years. In all patients, an arthroscopic release was done in one shoulder that had the severer symptoms in bilateral affection. The patients were assessed using the American Shoulder Society Score both preoperatively and postoperatively on five criteria, i.e. pain, motion, strength, stability and function