Arthroscopic capsular release for posttraumatic shoulder stiffness

Levy, O; Webb, M; Even, T; Venkateswaran, B; Funk, L; Copeland, S

Abstract

Severe pain and shoulder stiffness after soft tissue trauma
or fracture is a major cause of dysfunction. Some patients
may have residual, resistant, significant shoulder stiffness
that causes long-term functional impairment. This study
reports the results of arthroscopic capsular release in 21
patients who presented with posttraumatic stiff shoulders
resistant to nonoperative therapy. They underwent
arthroscopic circumferential capsular and subacromial
release of adhesions under interscalene block, followed
with immediate regular physiotherapy. A highly
significant improvement in the range of motion (ROM)
was achieved immediately postoperatively (P <.0001).
At 6 months, a mean 48% of the ROM gain was lost.
Thereafter, ROM steadily improved to a mean net gain of
110% compared with the immediate postoperative time
(mean follow-up, 33 months). Most patients (95%)
expressed satisfaction with their outcome. Arthroscopic
capsular release is a useful treatment for resistant
posttraumatic stiff shoulder, particularly to alleviate of
pain and restore a functional ROM.

Citation

Levy, O., Webb, M., Even, T., Venkateswaran, B., Funk, L., & Copeland, S. (2008). Arthroscopic capsular release for posttraumatic shoulder stiffness. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 17(3), 410-414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2007.11.014

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Jun 15, 2011
• Journal: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
• Print ISSN: 1058-2746
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 410-414
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2007.11.014
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2007.11.014