Primary Shoulder stiffness or Frozen shoulder( Adhesive Capsulitis) is not a very common clinical condition. Unfortunately secondary shoulder stiffness occurring due to other painful conditions were often confused with true frozen shoulder and patients were simply asked to wait till the disease runs its course. Obviously secondary shoulder stiffness will not recover till the primary problem producing the pain like is addressed.

Recent Advance.

Most primary causes of shoulder pain like impingement can be elegantly managed with Arthroscopic techniques. Once the primary problem is solved secondary shoulder stiffness will resolve with appropriate exercise programme.

At times, true frozen shoulder can be very resistant especially in diabetics. Arthroscopic release of offending structures will help regain movement. Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA), though useful in some cases does not give satisfactory results like Arthroscopic release especially with regard to pain relief which is dramatic after the Arthroscopic procedure.

Arthroscopy pictures pre and post release of offending structures found in the rotator interval.