• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2015

Background: We assessed the effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. Further, we tried to ascertain the clinical benefits, if any, of pancapsular release over selective capsular release, where the two differ by performing or not performing a posterior capsular release, respectively. Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients with either primary or secondary adhesive capsulitis who failed conservative treatment for more than 6 months were enrolled in the study. A total of 16 patients allocated in group 1 received a pancapsular release that comprises the release of the rotator interval, anteroinferior capsular, and the posterior capsular release, whereas 19 patients in group 2 received a selective capsular release that comprises only the release of the rotator interval release and anteroinferior capsular release. The clinical outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant score, and range of motion, were assessed preoperative and postoperatively. Results: In both groups, the preoperative VAS score, Constant score, and ROM showed a significant improvement by the 6-month follow-up. We found that the immediate postoperative internal rotation was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. Despite significant differences seen between the two groups at the initial postoperative period, there were no significant differences in Constant score, VAS score, and the ROM at all the subsequent follow-ups between the two groups. Conclusions: Arthroscopic capsular release for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis is very effective. However, pancapsular release did not show any advantage over selective capsular release in terms of overall clinical outcome.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.74-83
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• 1999

In diabetics, the frozen shoulder has been difficult to treat. They tend to respond poorly to manipulation. In this report we present the rationale and results of arthroscopic selective capsular release for those patients. Nine patients, who were diabetics, developed frozen shoulders which failed to respond to conservative management. They had persistent pain, stiffness, and limited function. An arthroscopic release was performed by progressively releasing the anterior structures from superior to inferior. Postoperatively physiotherapy was carried out daily to maintain the range of movement. At a follow up of 12 to 37 months the patients were assessed using the American Shoulder Society scheme. In addition, the patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively on four criteria: pain, external rotation, abduction and function. We found that the patients were statistically significantly improved in all four categories. Three of the nine patients had no pain, full range of motion compared with the opposite side and full function. There was one poor result of no improvement. The remaining five patients had improved but still had residual abnormalities. We consider arthroscopic release to be an effective treatment for the resistant diabetic frozen shoulder.