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Purpose: Shoulder stiffness (SS) is a condition characterised by active and passive restricted glenohumeral range of motion, which can occur spontaneously in an idiopathic manner or be associated with a known underlying aetiology. Several treatment options are available and currently no consensus has been obtained on which treatment algorithm represents the best choice for the patient. Herein we present the results of a national consensus on the treatment of primary SS. Methods: The project followed the modified Delphi consensus process, involving a steering, a rating and a peer‐review group. Sixteen questions were generated and subsequently answered by the steering group after a thorough literature search. A rating group composed by professionals specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pathologies rated the question–answer sets according to the scientific evidence and their clinical experience. Results: Recommendations were rated with an average of 8.4 points out of maximum 9 points. None of the 16 answers received a rating of less than 8 and all the answers were considered as appropriate. The majority of responses were assessed as Grade A, signifying a substantial availability of scientific evidence to guide treatment and support recommendations encompassing diagnostics, physiotherapy, electrophysical agents, oral and injective medical therapies, as well as surgical interventions for primary SS. Conclusions: A consensus regarding the conservative and surgical treatment of primary SS could be achieved at a national level. This consensus sets basis for evidence‐based clinical practice in the management of primary SS and can serve as a model for similar initiatives and adaptable guidelines in other European countries and potentially on a global scale. Level of Evidence: Level I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: No therapeutic intervention is universally accepted for frozen shoulder, and the most effective management to restore motion and diminish pain has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate functional and psychological outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release for a frozen shoulder. Methods: A retrospective study with prospective data collection was conducted with 78 patients suffering from frozen shoulder resistance to conservative treatment. Considering the etiology, there were 36 (46.2%) idiopathic, 31 (39.7%) postoperative, and 11 (14.1%) posttraumatic cases. Preoperatively, each patient was evaluated with the range of motion (ROM) assessment and the Constant-Murley score (CMS). At follow-up, the 4-point subjective satisfaction scale (SSS), the ROM assessment, the SF-12 questionnaire, the numerical rating scale (NRS) for the subjective assessment of pain, the CMS and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. Results: After a mean follow-up of 54.2 ± 22.3 months, ROM and CMS showed a statistically significant improvement between pre- and postoperative values (all p < 0.001). Before surgery, the mean CMS was 36.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and all patients showed a CMS lower than the normative data. At the final follow-up visit, the mean CMS was 99.9% that of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals, and 49 (62.8%) patients showed a CMS equal to or higher than the normative data. The mean increase in the CMS was 56.1 ± 8.3 points. The mean SSS, HADS-A, HADS-D, and NRS were 3.7 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 1.6, 2.2 ± 1.3, and 2.2 ± 1.0, respectively. All patients returned to their previous level of work and sports activity after 2 and 2.5 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed the association between a higher postoperative CMS and the idiopathic etiology of a frozen shoulder (p = 0.004, β = 3.971). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, four patients (5.1%) were treated with intra-articular steroid injections to manage residual symptoms. One patient (1.3%) with a postoperative frozen shoulder showed persistent symptoms and underwent a new successful arthroscopic capsular release. Conclusion: High patient satisfaction and statistically significant ROM and CMS recovery can be achieved after arthroscopic capsular release to manage frozen shoulder. Better functional outcomes are expected when the etiology is idiopathic. Results can help surgeons identify the patients who will most benefit from surgery and should be discussed with the patient. Level of evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate a cohort of patients with adhesive capsulitis and identify predictors of failure of conservative treatment in the first 2 months of therapy. Methods: This was a single-cohort, prospective observational study that included 20 participants (13 females/7 males; median age of 51.8 years [interquartile range: 8.65]) with primary adhesive capsulitis managed conservatively and evaluated clinically every month for at least 2 years of follow-up (29 [5] months). The evaluation included stage of the disease, treatment applied, radiological findings, pain levels and range of motion (active and passive ROM in the four planes and isolated glenohumeral passive ROM in abduction [GH-ABD], external rotation [GH-ER] and internal rotation). The main outcome assessed was failure of conservative treatment defined as the need for surgery and persistent pain or CMS below 70 points at the 1-year follow-up. Results: Seven patients (7/20, 35%) were considered to have failed conservative treatment because they required arthroscopic capsular release 5.2 (2.1) months after the initial diagnosis. Of all the clinical and epidemiological variables, absence of improvement during the first 2 months in isolated glenohumeral ROM abduction and external rotation predicted failure of conservative treatment: improvement in GH-ABD (10° or more) occurred in 10/13 patients in the conservative treatment group and in 1/7 patients in the surgery group (p = 0.017). Improvement in GH-ER (10° or more) occurred in 9/13 patients in the conservative treatment group and in 0/7 patients in the surgery group (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Precise assessment of isolated glenohumeral ROM in patients with adhesive capsulitis can help identify patients in which conservative treatment might fail. In this study, patients who did not experience early improvements in isolated glenohumeral ROM often required surgery. Level of evidence: III (Prospective cohort study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intra-articular pathologies, such as labral and chondral lesions, are common in patients with frozen shoulder. This study evaluated the correlations between the range of motion and labral and chondral lesions in patients with frozen shoulder and investigated their pathophysiologies. Methods: In total, 125 individuals (53 men and 72 women) who underwent arthroscopic pan-capsular release between 2014 and 2020 were included in the study. The range of motion was measured using scapular fixation and true glenohumeral motion under general anaesthesia. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score and the Shoulder Rating Scale score of the University of California, Los Angeles were used to compare intra-articular pathologies. Results: More than 80% of patients with frozen shoulder had labral pathologies, and nearly half of them had chondral pathologies. Labral lesions extending to the anterior rim of the glenoid had a greater range of motion and the greatest total American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score. More severe chondral lesions had a lesser range of motion, but presented the greatest function scores and the lowest strength scores according to the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles. The pain scores of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score and the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles were not correlated with the degree of these pathologies. The traction force affected the labrum during true range of motion, and the compression force occurred on the articular cartilage during internal rotation at 90° of forward flexion during diagnostic arthroscopy. Conclusion: Labral and chondral lesions are common in patients with frozen shoulder. Adherence to the capsulolabral complex induced a limited range of motion and labral and chondral pathologies. Diagnostic arthroscopy with motion is an important method of reproducing the pathogenesis of intra-articular structures for patients with frozen shoulder. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this overview is to summarise the findings of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials that compare conservative treatment options for frozen shoulder. Methods: The authors conducted an electronic literature search for meta-analyses published using PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Two researchers independently applied selection criteria and assessed quality of meta-analyses using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). Short-, medium- and long-term outcomes were synthesised narratively. Results: A total of 319 studies were identified, of which 8 meta-analyses were eligible for inclusion. All included meta-analyses were judged to be low or critically low quality according to AMSTAR-2, however, their data synthesis and interpretation was considered valid. Physiotherapy, intra-articular and subacromial corticosteroid injection (CSI), and arthrographic distension/hydrodilatation with corticosteroid were reported with sufficient evidence. Intra-articular CSI and arthrographic distension/hydrodilatation with corticosteroid provide advantages over placebo in short-term pain relief, range of motion (ROM) and shoulder function, with improvements in ROM continuing into the medium and long term. Arthrographic distension/hydrodilatation with corticosteroid provides medium-term and long-term improvements in ROM over intra-articular CSI and physiotherapy. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation provides advantages over conventional physiotherapy for pain improvement and external rotation in the short term. Conclusions: Arthrographic distension/hydrodilatation with corticosteroid provides superior pain relief in the short term and improvement in range of motion across all time frames for frozen shoulder when compared to CSI or physiotherapy. Level of evidence: Level IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and reduced passive movement capability, and the diagnose is made clinically. However, pain is the major symptom in the first stage before stiffness occurs, and the condition can be mistaken for subacromial impingement. This study explored the possibility to use positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with a 18F Flour-Deoxy-Glucose (FDG) tracer in the diagnostic process. Methods: Eleven patients with frozen shoulder and 9 patients with subacromial impingement received a 18F-FDG PET/CT scan before being treated surgically. During arthroscopy, the diagnoses were confirmed. Images were blindly analyzed visually by two nuclear medicine physicians. Also, semi-quantified analysis applying a set of standard regions was performed, and standard uptake value in both shoulder regions was recorded. Results: Both the visual description of the pictures and the semi-quantified analysis generally showed increased FDG uptake in the affected shoulder regions of patients that had frozen shoulder and no uptake in patients with subacromial impingement. Kappa for interobserver agreement in the visual assessments was 0.74. Sensitivity was 92% and specificity 93% of the visual assessment, 77% and 93%, respectively, of the semi-quantified analyses, and by combining the two types of analyses sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 93% for the distinction between frozen shoulders and subacromial impingement/unaffected shoulders. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT seems to be a valid method to diagnose frozen shoulder. This is clinically relevant in diagnostically challenging cases, for instance in the first phase of frozen shoulder, which can be difficult to distinguish from subacromial impingement. Level of evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between indirect magnetic resonance (MR) arthrographic imaging findings and the clinical symptoms and prognosis of patients with frozen shoulder.Methods: Indirect MR arthrography was performed for 52 patients with primary frozen shoulder (mean age 55.1 ± 9.0 years) and 52 individuals without frozen shoulder (mean age 53.1 ± 10.7 years); capsular thickening and enhancement of the axillary recess as well as soft tissue thickening of the rotator interval were evaluated. Clinical symptom severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS Pain), simple shoulder test (SST), Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion (ROM). At 6-month follow-up, we evaluated whether MR arthrography findings correlated with the clinical symptoms and prognosis.Results: Capsular thickening and enhancement of the axillary recess as well as soft tissue thickening of the rotator interval were significantly greater in the patient group than in the controls (p < 0.001). Capsular thickening of the axillary recess did not correlate with clinical symptoms or ROM (n.s.); however, capsular enhancement correlated with clinical symptom severity according to VAS Pain (p = 0.005), SST (p = 0.046), and ASES scores (p = 0.009). Soft tissue thickening of the rotator interval did not correlate with clinical symptom severity, but was associated with external rotation limitation (p = 0.002). However, none of the parameters correlated with clinical symptoms at 6-month follow-up.Conclusions: Indirect MR arthrography provided ancillary findings, especially with capsular enhancement, for evaluating clinical symptom severity of frozen shoulder, but did not reflect the prognosis. MR findings in frozen shoulder should not replace clinical judgments regarding further prognosis and treatment decisions.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient who underwent manipulation for stiffness accompanying a rotator cuff tear experienced a complication consisting of a bony Bankart lesion connected to the superior and inferior labrum. This lesion was displaced posteriorly, locked behind the humeral head and blocking the reduction. Attachment of the labrum to this fragment made reduction and fixation easier. This bony Bankart lesion was fixed successfully by arthroscopic placement of knotless suture anchors. Level of evidence Case report, Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Proximal biceps tenodesis is one method for treating biceps-related pain. Tenodesis protects the length-tension relationship of the biceps muscle, maintains strength, and provides a better cosmetic appearance than tenotomy. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the mechanical properties of a unicortical metal button and an interference screw in proximal biceps tenodesis. Methods: Six pairs of fresh-frozen shoulders were dissected, leaving the proximal biceps tendon as a free graft. On each pair of shoulders, a biceps tenodesis was performed using an interference screw or a unicortical metal button. The specimens were mounted and a cyclic load (10-60 N) was applied at 1 Hz for 200 cycles, followed by an axial load to failure. The displacement, ultimate load to failure, and mode of failure were recorded. Results: Displacement in response to cyclic loading was 3.7 ± 2.2 mm for the interference screw and 1.9 ± 1.0 mm for the cortical button ( P = 0.03). Load at failure for the interference screw was 191 ± 64 N (stiffness: 24 ± 11 N/mm) and 183 ± 61 N (stiffness: 24 ± 7. N/mm) for the unicortical button ( P = n.s. for both cases). Conclusions: As a novel technique for subpectoral biceps tenodesis, a unicortical button demonstrated significantly less displacement in response to cyclic loading than the interference screw. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness for the two methods were not different. In this way, a unicortical button may provide a reliable alternative method of fixation with a potentially lower risk of post-operative humeral fracture and a construct that permits early mobilization following biceps tenodesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate whether isolated anatomical coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction with two suture-button devices provides equal horizontal acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) stability compared to additional ACJ suture tape cerclage. Methods: A servohydraulic testing machine was used to assess horizontal ACJ translation in 12 fresh-frozen human shoulders during 5,000 cycles of dynamic anteroposterior directed loading (70 N). Horizontal ACJ stability was assessed for native specimen ( n = 6) and compared to specimen with dissected AC ligaments but intact CC ligaments ( n = 6). After complete AC/CC dissection, an anatomical CC reconstruction was performed with two suture-button devices ( n = 6) and compared to the additional ACJ suture tape cerclage ( n = 6). Results: Native specimen showed an mean horizontal amplitude of 10.8 mm [standard deviation (SD) 3.29]. After 5,000 cycles of horizontal loading (70 N), mean amplitude increased by 1.5 mm (SD 0.75, p = 0.005). Specimen with dissected AC ligaments started at an mean amplitude of 14.1 mm (SD 4.11), which was increased by 0.9 mm (SD 0.56, n.s.) after loading. Initially, amplitude of specimen with anatomical CC reconstruction was 13.2 mm (SD 2.75), which increased by 2.9 mm (SD 1.45, p = 0.001) after loading. The specimen with additional AC cerclage initially showed an amplitude of 10.6 mm (SD 2.35). After loading, translation was increased by 3.0 mm (SD 0.97, p = 0.001). There was no failure of any surgical reconstruction in the tests. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that only combined AC and CC reconstruction can adequately re-establish physiological horizontal ACJ stability. Therefore, it is likely that a combined surgical procedure with double suture-button devices and AC suture tape cerclage can adequately re-establish horizontal AC joint stability in case of an acute injury (≥type Rockwood IV and may allow superior clinical outcomes for patients, especially if early functional rehabilitation is intended). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to retrospectively determine the effects of intra-articular steroid injection on the clinical outcome of patients who underwent arthroscopic pan-capsular release for refractory frozen shoulder. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, 34 patients (20 males, 14 females) who underwent an arthroscopic pan-capsular release for frozen shoulder were included. Intra-articular steroid injections were administered from April 2006, and just before surgery and at the final follow-up, ranges of motion (ROM) and scores of the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system were evaluated. Results: Intra-articular steroid injection significantly improved the UCLA scores of pain just before surgery and at the final follow-up (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 6 ± 2, p < 0.0001). We subdivided the patients into those with and without diabetes mellitus. Steroid injection had a significant effect on the ROM in forward flexion (166.6 ± 8.6 vs. 140 ± 36.1, p = 0.026) and the scores of pain (10 vs. 9.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.046) at the final follow-up in the group without diabetes mellitus compared with those with it. Conclusion: Intra-articular steroid injection improves pain just before an arthroscopic pan-capsular release and at the final follow-up in all the patients with refractory frozen shoulder. However, it improves the ROM in forward flexion and the UCLA scores of pain at the final follow-up only in those without diabetes mellitus. Level of evidence: Therapeutic studies, Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An intra-articular corticosteroid injection is considered an effective treatment for idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. This study examined the efficacy of corticosteroid injections for the treatment for adhesive capsulitis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: Forty-five diabetic patients were randomized into a corticosteroid injection group or non-injection control group and received the same instruction for a home stretching exercise. The corticosteroid group patients were administered intra-articular corticosteroid injection composed of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Pain by a visual analogue scale, shoulder range of motion, and functional state by the American Shoulder and Elbow score were assessed at the baseline, 4-, 12-, and 24-week follow-up. Results: Diabetic patients treated with corticosteroid injections showed significant improvement in the pain score at 4 weeks and in the functional score at 12 weeks ( P = 0.020 and P = 0.042, respectively). The range of motion in forward elevation and internal rotation was significantly higher in the corticosteroid group than in the non-corticosteroid group at the 12-week follow-up ( P = 0.030 and 0.045, respectively), but there were no significant differences at the final follow-up between the corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid groups. Conclusions: A corticosteroid injection in diabetic patients decreases the pain perception and accelerates the functional recovery in the early post-injection period. An intra-articular corticosteroid injection is considered a viable option for the treatment for adhesive capsulitis with diabetes. Level of evidence: Randomized clinical trial, therapeutic study, Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was the prospective evaluation of the results of fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular cortisone injection series in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Twenty-five patients (9 m, 16 w) with a mean age of 49 ± 8 years and stage II frozen shoulder syndrome according to the Reeves classification were treated with an intra-articular cortisone injection series (3 injections at 0, 4, 12, weeks). Clinical examination, ASES score and SF 36 score were performed at 0, 4, 8, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months. In the results, significant improvements were seen in flexion (99 ± 30°–119 ± 31°, P < .0001), abduction (72 ± 24–99 ± 34°, P < .0001), external rotation (14 ± 16°–28 ± 21°, P < .0001) and internal rotation already at first follow-up after 4 weeks of treatment. The results were confirmed at any other follow-up. ASES score improved from 28 ± 13 to 45 ± 18 after 4 weeks ( P < .0001), 59 ± 21 after 8 weeks ( P < .0001), 63 ± 25 at 3 months ( P < .0001), 64 ± 28 ( P < .0001) at 6 months and 73 ± 27 ( P < .0001) points at final follow-up after 1 year. Evaluation of the SF-36 Score showed significant improvements in almost all categories (physical and mental) after 4 weeks of treatment ( P < .05). In conclusion, a fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular injection series of cortisone is an effective treatment option in frozen shoulder syndrome leading to a fast pain reduction and increased range motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of arthroscopic capsular release of the glenohumeral joint depends on complete incision of the inferior capsule. This study determined the distance between capsule and the axillary nerve in different joint positions. In 14 human shoulder specimens the anterior joint capsule and axillary nerve were dissected, and the anterior joint capsule was incised between the 1 and 5 o'clock positions. The shortest distance between the insertion of the inferior capsule and the axillary nerve was measured at the glenoid and humeral insertions in abduction, adduction, internal, and external rotation. The axillary nerve is surrounded from soft connective tissue and is closer to the humeral than to the glenoidal attachment of the joint capsule. During abduction and external rotation the nerve stays in its position while the glenohumeral capsule tightens, which increases the distance between the two structures. This results in the following distances: to the glenoidal/humeral capsule insertion: in adduction and neutral rotation, 21.2±4.2/14.2±2.6 mm; in abduction and neutral rotation, 24.0±4.9/15.0±5.0 mm; in abduction and internal rotation, 21.1±6.6/14.6±3.7 mm; and in abduction and external rotation, 24.9±3.8/16.4±4.4 mm. Thus, when performing arthroscopic capsular release the incision of the glenohumeral joint capsule should be undertaken at the glenoidal insertion in the abducted and externally rotated shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint is said to be a self-limiting process. However, in some patients the disease can last much longer than 1 year, which may lead patients to more invasive treatment than merely undergoing physiotherapy. Other patients do not accept this severe limitation and choose treatment options that restore the range of motion (ROM) more rapidly. Conventional open release techniques generally improve motion but involve extensive dissection. The purpose of this study was to develop a safe and reproducible technique of arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) and to present the results of this technique in the clinical situation. The technique for ACR was first defined in a cadaver study and then applied in 28 patients with primary adhesive capsulitis of the glenohumeral joint. The patients were selected for the arthroscopic release when conservative therapy had failed for at least 6 months. All of the patients had a global loss of shoulder motion and had motion restored with a combined anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior release of the of the capsule (360° release). Additionally, in all patients synovectomy with electrocautery was performed. We documented the ROM in the different planes as well as the Constant score. The Constant score improved a mean of 41 points. Range of motion for all planes significantly improved (P<0.01). Abduction improved from 75° preoperatively to 165° intraoperatively; 6 weeks after surgery, mean abduction was 168° and at the time of follow-up it was 167°. Mean external rotation in adduction improved from 3° preoperatively to 75° intraoperatively. After 6 weeks, the mean external rotation in adduction was 72° and at the time of follow-up the external rotation reached 76°. Mean external rotation in abduction improved from 4° preoperatively to 81° intraoperatively, 80° after 6 weeks and 85° at the time of the last follow-up. Internal rotation in abduction was 17° preoperatively. Intraoperatively, mean internal rotation was 59°. An angle of 58° was documented at 6 weeks follow-up, and at the last follow-up an angle of 63° was documented. No postoperative lesion of the axillary nerve was present. We concluded that arthroscopic capsular release is a reliable method for restoring motion with minimum morbidity in carefully selected patients. When performing an ACR the incision of the glenohumeral joint capsule should be undertaken at the glenoidal insertion in the abducted and external rotated shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]