Frozen shoulder: A systematic review of therapeutic options

Abstract

Frozen shoulder is a common disease which causes significant morbidity. Despite over a hundred years of treating this condition the definition, diagnosis, pathology and most efficacious treatments are still largely unclear. This systematic review of current treatments for frozen shoulder reviews the evidence base behind physiotherapy, both oral and intra articular steroid, hydrodilatation, manipulation under anaesthesia and arthroscopic capsular release. Key areas in which future research could be directed are identified, in particular with regard to the increasing role of arthroscopic capsular release as a treatment.

Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis; Arthrographic distension; Arthroscopic capsular release; Bursitis; Frozen shoulder; Hydrodilatation; Physiotherapy; Shoulder; Steroid.