Summary

This is the first study to describe the erly and midterm outcomes of isolated anteroinferior capsular release for patients with primary adhesive capsulitis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to report the early and midterm functional outcomes and complications of a consecutive series of patients with primary adhesive capsulitis that were treated with isolated anteroinferior arthroscopic capsular release after failed conservative treatment

Methods

Thirty two consecutive patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis in whom conservative physiotherapy had failed were included in the study. Arthroscopic anteoinferior capsular release was performed in all cases. Pain level was evaluated with the visual analoge scale (VAS), functional outcomes with the Constant score, range of motion and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also registered.

Results

The mean age was 49.6 years (range, 33 to 68 years) and the mean follow-up was 63 months (range, 24 to 84). Overall, there was significant improvement in the Constant score (P <0.001) and VAS (P < 0.001). A similar finding was noted with range of motion (P <0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with failed conservative treatment for primary adhesive capsulitis, isolated anteroinferior capsular release provides a fast improvement in pain and range of motion that is maintained and even enhanced in the mid-term follow up.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic, case series.
Key Words: Arthroscopic- anteroinferior - capsular release- idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.