Arthroscopic arthrolysis for recalcitrant frozen shoulder: a lateral approach.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new all-arthroscopic technique in the management of recalcitrant globally stiff frozen shoulders. This adopts an initial extra-articular approach followed by intra-articular entry to perform a 360° capsular release.

METHODS

Ten patients with global adhesive capsulitis were prospectively evaluated. All patients had not improved after undergoing a minimum of 6 months of physiotherapy, and 5 received intra-articular injections of steroids. The mean age was 47 years (range, 33 to 56 years). Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively for range of motion. A Constant score and visual analog scale score for pain were recorded. We described an all-arthroscopic technique by entering the subacromial space laterally and opening the rotator interval from the outside in, followed by a complete 360° capsular release and biceps tenotomy.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 18 to 90 months), and the mean Constant score improved from 21 to 72 (P < .01). Preoperative abduction improved from a mean of 40° to 165°, elevation improved from 55° to 175°, and external rotation improved from 6° to 58°. The visual analog scale pain score improved from 7 to 1.6, and all patients reported an excellent outcome after surgery. There were no complications particularly regarding axillary nerve injury, fracture, or infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a combined extra-articular and intra-articular approach that is controlled and anatomic and achieves excellent results that were maintained at the midterm. The technique permits anatomic debridement of the rotator interval, enabling excellent intra-articular access, a circumferential capsular release, and biceps tenotomy. There were no complications, and no manipulations were required, which pose a risk of creating soft-tissue lesions, fractures, or dislocations. We recommend this 360° capsular release technique for releasing globally stiff shoulders where the surgeon is experienced in arthroscopy.