Mid-term results following arthroscopic capsular release in patients with primary and secondary adhesive shoulder capsulitis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release carried out for refractory cases of both primary and secondary adhesive shoulder capsulitis that were not responsive to at least 6 months of prior conservative therapy.

Methods

Arthroscopic 360-degree capsular release was performed on 167 patients (173 shoulders) with adhesive shoulder capsulitis. Ninety-one shoulders (52.6 %) had primary and 82 shoulders (47.4 %) secondary adhesive capsulitis. The median follow-up period was 36 months (range 14–67 months).

Results

All patients were evaluated according to the constant score. Both groups (primary and secondary adhesive capsulitis) experienced a significant improvement for all ranges of motion immediately postoperative, as well as at the time of follow-up. The median preoperative constant score was 41 (range 18–61) points and increased significantly to a median of 83 (range 27–100) at the time of follow-up. In the group of primary adhesive capsulitis, median preoperative score was 42 points (range 19–58) and increased to 85 points (range 36–100) at follow-up. In the group of secondary adhesive capsulitis, the preoperative mean increased from 41 points (range 18–61) to 74 points (range 27–100) at the time of the follow-up. The constant score component for pain and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score were also significantly increased.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic capsular release in patients with primary and secondary adhesive shoulder capsulitis represents a valuable therapeutic choice with minimal complications, to effectively reduce pain and improve movement in all planes of motion.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic retrospective case series study, Level IV.