Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is defined as “a condition of varying severity characterized by the gradual development of global limitation of active and passive shoulder motion where radiographic findings other than osteopenia are absent”. It is a very common pathology, especially in women in the fifth and sixth decades of life. It is characterized by pain and restriction of active and passive mobility, the latter being the main characteristic of the disease. Most patients respond favorably to conservative treatment including, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. In refractory cases, both manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic capsulotomy have shown to be effective in relieving pain and restoring joint mobility.