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Frozen shoulder

Definition:

Frozen shoulder is the common term for adhesive capsulitis, an inflammatory condition that restricts motion in the shoulder.

Alternative Names:

Adhesive capsulitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The capsule of a shoulder joint includes the ligaments that attach the shoulder bones to each other. When inflammation occurs within the capsule, the shoulder bones are unable to freely move within the joint.

Diabetes, shoulder trauma (including surgery), a history of open heart surgery, hyperthyroidism, and a history of cervical disk disease are all associated with an increased risk for this problem. Often, there is no known cause.

References:

Sheridan MA, Hannafin JA. Upper extremity: emphasis on frozen shoulder. Orthop Clin North Am . 2006 Oct;37(4):531-9. Review.

Brue S, Valentin A, Forssblad M, Werner S, Mikkelsen C, Cerulli G. Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc . 2007 Feb 28; [Epub ahead of print].

Shoulder joint inflammation

Review Date: 3/9/2007
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, CamdenBone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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