Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder Research Articles

Combined Physiotherapy and Osteopathy in a Patient with Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder and Neck Pain: A Two - Months Follow Up

This case report aims to highlight the effectiveness of the combination of physiotherapy and osteopathy in a patient with severe shoulder and neck pain.

Suprascapular nerve block is faster and as effective as hydrodistension in relieving frozen shoulder-associated pain and disability: A prospective, single-blind observational study with a follow-up of 24 weeks.

Hydrodistension (HD) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) have been shown to reduce pain and improve shoulder function in frozen shoulder (FS). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of HD and SSNB in the treatment of idiopathic FS. This was a prospective observational study. A total of 65 patients with FS were treated with SSNB or HD. The functional outcome was evaluated by Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score and active shoulder range of motion (ROM) measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Parametric data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. At the end of 24 weeks, the two-group improved significantly from the baseline and the improvement was comparable between the two groups. ROM also improved significantly in both groups. At 2nd week, SPADI score was significantly less in SSNB group (P < 0.05). About 43% of patients considered HD extremely painful. Both HD and SSNB are almost equally effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. However, SSNB leads to a faster improvement.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frozen shoulder incidence rates and severity.

BackgroundAlthough there is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic had profound physiological and psychological effects, there is no research aimed at understanding if the pandemic has had an impact on the incidence or severity of frozen shoulder (FS). The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of idiopathic FS before and during the pandemic.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed to establish the incidence of FS during the pandemic, from March 2020 to January 2021 (pandemic study period), compared to the same time period 1 year earlier, before the pandemic (control group). All patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic FS were included. To assess the severity of the condition, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) on presentation were recorded and the patients were categorized into 5 different treatment groups (0 injections, 1 injection, 2 injections, 3 injections, or capsular release). As the pandemic and public health restrictions could have influenced the availability of appointments, the waiting time between referral and first appointment was calculated as a possible confounding factor. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and Student t test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.ResultsThere were 847 new patient consultations during the pandemic study period; of these, 232 were for idiopathic FS. One year earlier, there were 898 initial consultations for a new shoulder problem; of these, 176 were for idiopathic FS. This represents a relative increase of 39.8% (P < .001) in the incidence of patients with FS. The mean SSV in the control group was 50% ± 20% vs. 45% ± 18% in the pandemic group—statistically significant (P = .013) but unlikely to be clinically significant. The VAS pain score was similar in both groups: mean 6 ± 2 and 7 ± 2, respectively (P = .06). There was no significant difference between the control and the pandemic group in the distribution of patients per treatment group (P = .94). The mean waiting time from referral to appointment was not significantly different between the control and the pandemic group: 58 ± 30 days vs. 55 ± 27 days (P = .30).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the incidence of patients with FS. No significant difference in severity was observed. Further research is needed to evaluate a causal relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and FS.

Surgical versus Nonsurgical Multimodality Treatment in an Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder: A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Functional Outcomes.

This retrospective study compared the clinical and functional outcomes of patients diagnosed with an idiopathic frozen shoulder with symptom onset of a maximum of six months, treated by arthroscopic capsular release followed by corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy to patients who received only corticosteroid injection followed by physiotherapy. The patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release, intraoperative corticosteroid injection, and physiotherapy (Group I, n = 30) or received only corticosteroids injection and physiotherapy (Group II, n = 29) were examined in terms of shoulder range of motion (ROM), pain intensity, and function before a given treatment and three, six, and twelve months later. The groups were comparable pre-treatment in terms of ROM, pain, and functional outcome. Group I had statistically and clinically significantly better ROM and function at three and six months post-treatment than Group II. Despite being statistically significant, the between-group differences at twelve-month follow-up in ROM and function were too small to be considered clinically notable. The between-group comparison of pain revealed no significant differences at any post-treatment point of time. The early arthroscopic capsular release preceding corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy seemed more effective at three- and six-month follow-up; however, it brought a comparable result to corticosteroid injection and subsequent physiotherapy at twelve months follow-up.

The Use of Corticosteroid/Anesthetic Injections in Conjunction With Physical Therapy in the Treatment of Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder: A Case Series

Background Fifty percent of people diagnosed with frozen shoulder (FS) experience pain and/or stiffness for years after onset, and the best conservative treatment for this condition remains uncertain. This case series evaluated the clinical results of intra-articular corticosteroid and anesthetic injections, combined with a specific physical therapy program, in the treatment of FS. Case Presentation The research is based on 26 patients with idiopathic FS. The patients were treated with unguided intra-articular corticosteroid and anesthetic injections, painful/end-range mobilization techniques, and painful/end-range home stretching exercises. Range of motion was measured and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36) were administered at 5 follow-up sessions over 3 months. Outcome and Follow-Up The 90% confidence intervals of the mean range-of-motion scores for flexion, extension, internal rotation, and external rotation at 90° and at 0° of abduction did not show significant differences at 3-month follow-up between the affected shoulder and the healthy one. Between baseline and 3-month follow-up, the average DASH difference was 37%, and all scores exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH. The score on the bodily pain subscale of the SF-36 improved by 43% from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Discussion From our clinical experience and the analyzed data, intra-articular corticosteroid and anesthetic injections, combined with the above-mentioned mobilizations and a simple home exercise program, are effective at improving shoulder pain, range of motion, and disability in the short term. JOSPT Cases 2021;1(4):248–265. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2021.9960

Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder in Individuals with Diabetes: Association with Metabolic Control, Obesity, Antidiabetic Treatment and Demographic Characteristics in Adults with Type 1 or 2 Diabetes from the DPV Registry.

To examine the association of frozen shoulder (FS) with demographic and diabetes-related outcomes in individuals with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes aged ≥30 years. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics were used to calculate the proportion of FS in association with age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and diabetes treatment. The unadjusted percentage of FS was higher in T1D compared to T2D (0.22% vs. 0.06%). In T1D, adjusted regression models revealed higher prevalence of FS in women than men (0.26 [0.20-0.34] % vs. 0.15 [0.11-0.21] %, p=0.010). No significant relationship of age and BMI with FS was found in both diabetes types. Longer diabetes duration was associated with a higher proportion of FS in T1D (p<0.001) and T2D (p=0.004). In T1D, HbA1c >7% was related to a higher proportion of FS compared to HbA1c ≤7% (0.25 [0.19-0.32] vs. 0.12 [0.08-0.20] %, p=0.007), while an inverse relationship was found in T2D (HbA1c ≤7%: 0.08 [0.07-0.10] vs. HbA1c >7%: 0.05 [0.04-0.06] %, p=0.001). Different associations of FS with gender and HbA1c were observed for T1D and T2D; however, longer diabetes duration increases the risk for FS independent of diabetes type. Musculoskeletal diseases are still underreported in individuals with diabetes and awareness should be raised for FS as a specific diabetes complication.

Are clinical outcomes of frozen shoulder linked to pain, structural factors or pain-related cognitions? An explorative cohort study

BackgroundIn frozen shoulder (FS), inflammatory-fibrotic adaptations in capsuloligamentous structures are typically linked to perceived glenohumeral stiffness, glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) restrictions and decreased arm function. However, ROM restrictions based on muscle guarding are suggested as well. ObjectivesTo assess differences between pain, perceived stiffness, ROM restrictions and arm function at time of diagnosis and at four months follow-up and to assess whether perceived stiffness, ROM restrictions and arm function relate to pain, structural and/or cognitive factors. Designobservational cohort study. MethodsIn persons with idiopathic FS, pain intensity at rest/at night/during activities (Numeric Rating Scale), perceived stiffness (Numeric Rating Scale), abduction/external rotation ROM (goniometry), and function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) were compared between both time points (Wilcoxon-signed rank tests). Spearman correlation coefficients assessed the relation between perceived stiffness, ROM and function on the one hand and structural factors (coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness and inferior glenohumeral recess (IGR) perimeter - arthroMRI), pain intensity and pain-related cognitions (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) on the other hand. ResultsTwenty persons participated (14 female; 56±8yrs) and three persons dropped out at 4 months. Pain intensity, perceived stiffness, ROM and arm function improved over time. ROM was related to CHL-thickness and IGR-perimeter; perceived stiffness was related to pain intensity; and arm function was related to pain intensity and pain-related cognitions. ConclusionObjectively measured ROM is related to structural factors, while patient-reported outcomes are related to pain intensity and/or pain-related cognitions. Perceived stiffness does not relate to structural factors.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder and Diabetic Frozen Shoulder After a Single Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection.

There is no consensus on the use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections in diabetic frozen shoulder (FS). Thus, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes after intra-articular corticosteroid injections in patients with diabetic FS and idiopathic FS. Data collected from 142 FS patients who received glenohumeral joint intra-articular corticosteroid injections were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-two patients were diagnosed with diabetic FS and 110 patients with idiopathic FS. Data including visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and passive range of motion (ROM) were compared before the injection and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the injection. There were significant improvements in all outcomes (p < 0.001 for all parameters) through 12 weeks in both groups. There were no significant differences in all outcomes, except for ASES scores, between both groups at 3 weeks. However, there were significant differences in VAS score, SSVs, ASES scores, and passive ROMs, except for angle of abduction, between the two groups at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after injection. A single intra-articular steroid injection can be used as a conservative treatment for diabetic FS, but less effective than for idiopathic FS.

Laterality judgement and tactile acuity in patients with frozen shoulder: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDisrupted tactile acuity and poor laterality judgement have been shown in several chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. Whether they are impaired in people with frozen shoulder (FS) remains unknown. ObjectivesTo determine whether there is impairment in tactile acuity and laterality judgement in subjects with FS. MethodsThirty-eight subjects with idiopathic FS and 38 sex and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. The two-point discrimination threshold (TPDT) over the affected and unaffected shoulder of patients with FS and shoulder of healthy controls was evaluated. In addition, all participants performed a left/right judgment task (LRJT). Independent and dependent t-tests were used to compare group means. Pearson-product moment coefficient correlations between pain intensity and duration and LRJT and TPDT were calculated for the FS group. ResultsThe TPDT over the affected shoulder was significantly increased compared to the unaffected shoulder (mean difference, 3.82 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.53, 7.10; p = .02) and controls (mean difference, 5.80 mm; 95% CI: 1.09, 10.52; p = .02). Patients with FS were less accurate (mean difference, 5.90%; 95% CI: 0.36, 11.43; p = .03) and slower (mean difference, −0.26 s; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.45; p = .01) responding to images of their affected shoulder compared to their unaffected shoulder. No associations were found between pain intensity and duration and either TPDT or laterality judgement. ConclusionsParticipants with FS demonstrated reduced tactile acuity and impaired laterality judgement over their affected shoulder compared to their unaffected shoulder. When compared to controls, subjects with FS showed reduced tactile acuity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT03320200.

Effectiveness of Intra-articular Steroid Injection in Treatment of Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder Followed by Physiotherapy and Home Exercise Program.

Introduction: Idiopathic frozen shoulder (IFS) is a common chronic and disabling condition of shoulder pain characterized by progressive loss of active and passive range of motion (ROM) with unclear pathogenesis. The ideal treatment protocol is still controversial but commonly used treatment includes single agent or combination of oral non-steroid anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), oral steroids, intra-articular steroid injection and physiotherapy.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular methylprednisolone injection for pain and ROM in patients suffering from idiopathic frozen shoulder who did not respond to oral NSAIDS with or without oral steroid.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 70 patients suffering from IFS were enrolled in this cross sectional study from May 2017–October 2018 from outpatient department of orthopaedic and physiotherapy of Koshi Zonal Hospital. All the patients underwent treatment protocol that comprised of Intra-articular steroid injection followed by five days of oral NSAIDS along with five days regime of physical therapy at the physiotherapy centre, followed by home exercise program. Each patient was followed up at every two weeks interval from intra-articular injection till 6th week. Each patient was evaluated for range of motion (ROM), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) before the treatment protocol and at every follow up visit. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Program.&#x0D; Results: All patients enrolled for the study had satisfactory response. The mean age of the patient was 51.8 years (range 40-65 years). The mean age of the 26 male patients was 54 years (range 45-65), whereas the mean age of 44 female patients was 50.5 years (range 45-60). Mean duration of illness was 26.5 weeks (range 18-32 weeks), SPADI before medication was 83.14, at 2nd week was 50.92, at 4th week was 38.63 and at 6th week was 27.22.&#x0D; Conclusion: Combination of intra-articular methylprednisolone injection, physiotherapy and home exercise program is effective in IFS for rapid improvement in pain and ROM.

Corticosteroid injection alone vs additional physiotherapy treatment in early stage frozen shoulders.

AIMTo investigate the additional value of physiotherapy after a corticosteroid injection in stage one or two idiopathic frozen shoulders (FSs).METHODSA two center, randomized controlled trial was done. Patients with a painful early stage idiopathic FS were eligible for inclusion. After written consent, patients were randomly allocated into two groups. All patients received an ultrasound-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection. One group underwent additional physiotherapy treatment (PT) and the other group did not (non-PT). The primary outcome measure was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes were pain (numeric pain rating scale), range of motion (ROM), quality of life (RAND-36 score), and patient satisfaction. Follow-up was scheduled after 6, 12 and 26 wk.RESULTSTwenty-one patients were included, 11 patients in the non-PT and ten in the PT group, with a mean age of 52 years. Both treatment groups showed a significant improvement at 26 wk for SPADI score (non-PT: P = 0.05, PT: P = 0.03). At the 6 wk follow-up, median SPADI score was significant decreased in the PT group (14 IQR: 6-38) vs the non-PT group (63 IQR: 45-76) (P = 0.01). Pain decreased significantly in both groups but no differences were observed between both treatment groups at any time point, except for night pain at 6 wk in favor of the PT group (P = 0.02). Significant differences in all three ROM directions were observed after 6 wk in favor of the PT group (P ≤ 0.02 for all directions). A significantly greater improvement in abduction (P = 0.03) and external rotation (P = 0.04) was also present in favor of the PT group after 12 wk. RAND-36 scores showed no significant differences in health-related quality of life at all follow-up moments. At 26 wk, both groups did not differ significantly with respect to any of the outcome parameters. No complications were reported in both groups.CONCLUSIONAdditional physiotherapy after corticosteroid injection improves ROM and functional limitations in early-stage FSs up to the first three months.

Short-term Clinical Results of Manipulation Under Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block in Patients with Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder and Diabetic Secondary Frozen Shoulder

Purpose:This study examined the effectiveness of manipulation under ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in patients with recalcitrant idiopathic frozen shoulder and diabetic secondary frozen shoulder (diabetic frozen shoulder).Methods:Forty-four idiopathic frozen shoulders and 10 diabetic frozen shoulders with failed conservative treatment for at least 3 months were included in this study. The manipulation was performed under ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block and visual analogue scale, range of motion, and Constant scores were measured before manipulation and at the last follow-up examination.Results:No major complications were observed during the procedure. Sufficient improvement was not obtained in two patients during the procedure and to avoid complications, the procedure was discontinued and subsequently arthroscopic capsular release was performed. Visual analogue scale, range of motion towards all directions, and Constant scores were significantly improved after the manipulation in both the idiopathic frozen shoulder and diabetic frozen shoulder groups, however the diabetic group showed inferior results compared with those of the idiopathic group.Conclusion:This manipulation was effective and shortened the duration of symptoms in most of the idiopathic and diabetic frozen shoulders without major complications during the procedure. Diabetic frozen shoulder showed inferior clinical results and difficulty in recovery in range of motion, which indicated that diabetic frozen shoulder should be discussed as a different entity.

Serial Intrarticular Low Dose Corticosteroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder Pain Management: A Case Report

Idiopathic frozen shoulder (IFS), follows a three-phase progression of synovial inflammation to adhesive synovitis, to more mature adhesions with less synovitis, and finally mature adhesions. [1] In early stage 1 & II disease, a one-off 80 mg intra-articular corticosteroid injection (CSI) has reported efficacy in dampening cytokine-mediated pain and inflammation, and chemically ablating the synovitis early, which may prevent fibrosis and shorten the course of disease. [2] However, hydrodilation with steroid-only injection studies report inconclusive results. [3] Other reports advocate an early one-off 80 mg CSI as the customary management. Veteran clinicians however, have reported anecdotal success with much smaller doses of serial 20 mg depo-steroid injections, performed depending on symptoms, at 1-8 week intervals. This approach methodology has found some recent support in the literature. [4]. Many IFS patients are also diabetics, [5] and serial lower dose CSI may avoid serum glucose fluctuations in diabetic patients.

Short Term Outcome of Double Side Injections of Betamethasone for the Treatment of Early Stage Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder

Double side injections of betamethasone for the treatment of early stage idiopathic frozen shoulder could effectively relieve pain and improve the functions of shoulder. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of double side injections (glenohumeral cavity and subacromial injection) of betamethasone for the treatment of early stage idiopathic frozen shoulder (FS). The patients with idiopathic FS (n=126) were randomized into 3 groups. The patients include 48 men and 78 women aged 40 to 68 years. Group A were treated with double side injections of 1ml betamethasone and 5ml lidocaine,once a week for 5 weeks; Group B were injected with 1ml betamethasone and 5ml lidocaine in glenohumeral cavity only,once a week for 5 weeks; Group C were treated with NSAIDs drugs (celecoxib) 200 mg orally once daily for 5 weeks. Thereafter all groups underwent a standardised physiotherapy treatment and compared with each other. The patients were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Constant-Murley score and range of motion 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. No significant effect of VAS score on short-term outcome between group A and group B was found, while VAS score has significant difference for Group C compared with group A and group B, and there was a significant mean loss for Group C at latest follow-up.There were significant differences among the three groups in the Contsant score and the abduction range of shoulder joint, and group A surpass group B, group B surpass group C obviously. Double side injections of betamethasone for the treatment of early stage idiopathic frozen shoulder could effectively relieve pain and improve the functions of shoulder. Although patients benefitted from both techniques, double side injections of betamethasone is superior to arthrocentesis with intra-articular injection in glenohumeral cavity alone and oral treatment of NSAIDs drugs.

Clinical correlation of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT in idiopathic frozen shoulder

ObjectiveBecause positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) can be used to visualize inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, it may help elucidate the pathophysiology of frozen shoulder (FS). The purpose of this study was to characterize the uptake pattern on 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with idiopathic FS and to determine if there is a correlation between its metabolic parameters and clinical findings.Methods18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted to 35 patients with unilateral idiopathic FS. Clinical data including pain, functional scores, and passive range of motion (ROM) were collected. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured at the four regions of interest (ROIs): rotator interval (RI), anterior joint capsule (AJC), axillary recess (AR), and posterior joint capsule (PJC) from the attenuation-corrected axial images.ResultsMean SUVmax values for four ROIs of the affected shoulder were significantly higher than those of the unaffected shoulder. Mean SUVmax values of RI and AR were significantly higher than those of AJC and PJC and mean SUVmax of AJC was significantly higher than that of PJC in the affected side. Three recognizable patterns of increased uptake were noted: (1) AR dominant type (15 patients); (2) RI dominant type (9 patients); (3) both RI and AR dominant type (11 patients). The SUVmax of AR showed negative correlation with abduction and forward flexion. The SUVmax of RI showed negative correlation with external rotation and internal rotation. The SUVmax of AJC showed negative correlation with all ROMs. However, there was no significant correlation between the SUVmax of PJC and any ROM.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the anterior–inferior capsular portion, including RI and AR, is the main pathologic site of idiopathic FS and reveals significant correlations between ROM and metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT. These results imply that AR and RI lesions are related to elevational limitations and rotational limitations, respectively.

Characteristics of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of current techniques for dynamic 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder (FS). Subjects consisted of 5 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with idiopathic severe FS. We defined severe idiopathic FS as follows: range of motion ≤100° in forward flexion, ≤10° in external rotation, and ≤L5 in internal rotation. All patients suffered from continued global range of motion loss for at least 6 months. We evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of 3-dimensional dynamic MRI in FS patients compared with those in healthy volunteers. MRI of all FS patients displayed an abnormal intake of blood flow from the acromial arterial network and the branches of circumflex humeral arteries into the axillary pouch and the rotator interval. We named this finding "burning sign." The burning sign was present at all phases of the condition. In the FS group, the patients with enhanced deposition of contrast medium in the axillary pouch in the delayed phase (n = 11) had a statistically significant score for pain during exercise, higher than that of patients with reduced deposition of contrast medium at the same site (n = 5; P = .027). Burning sign is an abnormal finding that appears in dynamic MRI of severe FS. Hence, the burning sign may be associated with pain and inflammation in idiopathic FS.

Does Scapular Motion Regress with Aging and is It Restricted in Patients with Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder?

Purposes:It has been reported that the amount of posterior tilt and upward rotation in scapular motions decreases with aging. The purposes of the current study were to investigate age related scapular motion regression and scapular restriction in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder (IFS).Methods:The groups were recruited as follows: two groups of 50 asymptomatic subjects aged in their twenties and fifties, and 56 patients with IFS. We passively moved the scapula toward 8 directions: elevation/depression; upward/downward rotation; external/internal rotation; and anterior/posterior tilt. The grading of scapular motion was ranged from 0 to 3 (3, normal; and 0, severe restriction) and the score for each direction and the total aggregated score for all directions were calculated.Results:Scapular restriction was present in 3 subjects (6%) in the normal 20s group, 10 (14%) in the 50s group, and 51 (91%) in the IFS group. The total score between the normal 20s and 50s groups did not show statistical difference; however, greater significance was present between the normal 50s group and the IFS group (p < 0.01). There was statistical significance in depression (p < 0.01), downward rotation (p < 0.01), and posterior tilt (p < 0.01) among the 3 groups.Conclusion:Depression, downward rotation, and posterior tilt substantially regress with aging. Scapular motions towards depression, downward rotation, external rotation, and posterior tilt are severely restricted in the IFS group.

Shoulder proprioception - lessons we learned from idiopathic frozen shoulder.

BackgroundOf all the most frequent soft tissue disorders of the shoulder, idiopathic frozen shoulder (IFS) offers the greatest potential for studying proprioception. Studies concerning the presence of proprioception dysfunctions have failed to determine the potential for spontaneous healing of passive shoulder stabilizers (anterior and posterior capsule, middle and inferior gleno-humeral ligaments), its relationship with passive (PJPS) and active (AJPS) shoulder proprioception for internal and external rotation (IR, ER), as well as the isokinetic muscle performance of the internal and external rotators. This study investigates these dependencies in the case of arthroscopic release of IFS.MethodsThe study group comprised 23 patients (average aged 54.2) who underwent arthroscopic release due to IFS and 20 healthy volunteers. The average follow-up time was 29.2 months. The Biodex system was used for proprioception measurement in a modified neutral arm position and isokinetic evaluation. The results were analysed using the T-test, Wilcoxon and interclass correlation coefficient. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between involved (I) and uninvolved (U) shoulders only in the cases of PJPS and AJPS, peak torque, time to peak torque and acceleration time for ER (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was noted between PJPS IR and PJPS ER or between AJPS IR and AJPS ER (p > 0.05) for the U shoulders.ConclusionsThe anatomical structure of anterior (capsule, middle and anterior band of inferior gleno-humeral ligament) and posterior (capsule and posterior band of inferior gleno-humeral ligament) passive shoulder restraints has no impact on the difference in PJPS values between ER and IR in a modified neutral shoulder position. The potential for spontaneous healing of the anterior and posterior passive shoulder restraints influences PJPS recovery after arthroscopic release of IFS. ER peak torque deficits negatively affect AJPS values. PJPS and AJPS of ER and IR can be measured with a high level of reproducibility using an isokinetic dynamometer with the arm in a modified neutral shoulder position. Differences greater than 15 % for PJPS and >24 % for AJPS for ER and IR can be helpful for future studies as baseline data for identification of particular passive and active shoulder stabilizers at risk.

Proper site of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder: Results from a randomized trial

ObjectiveThe objective is to determine whether corticosteroid injection into the subacromial space was not inferior to intra-articular injection in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder (FS), and whether combined injections had an additive effect. MethodsPatients with idiopathic FS (n=126) were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided intra-articular (IA group), subacromial (SA group), or combined IA and subacromial injections (IA+SA group). All groups received a total dose of 40mg triamcinolone acetonide. The outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) shoulder score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and passive range of motion before and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. ResultsThere was significant effect of time on all measurements such that all measures improved in all groups (P<0.001) during the 12 weeks after treatment. Group-by-time interactions were significant for ASES (P=0.006), VAS (P<0.001), SSV (P=0.03), and internal rotation (P=0.014). Between-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in the IA (P<0.001) and IA+SA (P<0.001) groups as compared to the SA group. The IA+SA group demonstrated significant improvement in internal rotation as compared to the IA group (P=0.046). ConclusionThe efficacy of corticosteroid injection into the SA space in idiopathic FS was inferior to IA injection up to 12 weeks; however, combination injections had an additive effect on increasing the internal rotation angle. These results indicate that although the glenohumeral joint is a major site in the pathogenesis of idiopathic FS, the SA space may be a contributing site.

Optimal time for manipulation of frozen shoulder may be between 6 and 9 months.

Idiopathic frozen shoulder can be successfully treated conservatively. Manipulation under anesthesia, in randomized controlled studies, has proven to bring no additional benefit to other treatments. However, manipulation under anesthesia still is a used method mainly among patients with unbearable pain or too longstanding restriction of shoulder motion. Manipulation under anesthesia may lead to significant improvement in shoulder motion and function. However, the best timing for manipulation under anesthesia is still unclear. We therefore investigated whether timing of manipulation under anesthesia has influence on the results of manipulation under anesthesia, concerning range of motion, pain, and function. We followed 57 patients (65 shoulders; 31 in women) at 2-14 years after manipulation under anesthesia evaluating range of motion, pain, and function. Their mean age at manipulation under anesthesia was 54.0 years. A total of 10 patients had diabetes. The time between the onset of symptoms and manipulation averaged 8.8 months. We formed two groups, those mobilized between 6 and 9 months after the onset of symptoms (Group A, 25 shoulders), and the others (Group B, 40 shoulders). We recorded visual analog scale pain, range of motion, Simple Shoulder Test, and Constant-Murley scores. Patients manipulated between 6 and 9 months after the onset of symptoms had significantly better abduction and external rotation, less pain at rest and at night, and better Simple Shoulder Test than the others. It seems that timing has statistically significant influence on results of manipulation of the idiopathic frozen shoulder. The best time for manipulation under anesthesia, if non-operative treatment has failed to alleviate pain or limitation of shoulder motion is too cumbersome, might be between 6 and 9 months from the onset of the symptoms. However, the clinical importance of results can be questioned.