Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic capsular release in patients with primary adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint. Methods: Twenty-eight shoulders in 27 patients with adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint were treated with manipulation and arthroscopic capsular release. Their average age was 54.5 years (range, 39–67). During surgery, synovectomy and a combined anterior, posterior and inferior arthroscopic release using electrocautery or laser was performed. Range of motion and evaluation with the Constant score before and after surgery was performed in all patients. Results: The mean follow-up was 32 months (24–63). The mean Constant score significantly improved from 44.6 (28–52) preoperatively to 86.3 (73–52) postoperatively (p< 0.001, paired t-test). Range of motion for all planes significantly improved. Abduction improved from 72° preoperatively to 165° postoperatively; Internal rotation improved from 13° to 60° and external rotation from 10° to 75°. Subjectively all patients had remarkably less pain, and there were no complications. Conclusions: Our study suggest that arthroscopic treatment of primary adhesive capsulitis with capsular release is an effective and reliable method for restoring a painless motion of the glenohumeral joint.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
