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Adhesive capsulitis commonly diagnosed as 'frozen shoulder'

Thursday 8th September 2011

Patients who complain of a painful and stiff shoulder are commonly diagnosed with 'frozen shoulder', according to new research.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons noted that 'frozen shoulder' is a vague diagnosis as there are many different factors that can contribute to motion loss in the shoulder.

Adhesive capsulitis is a condition in which the connective tissue in the shoulder regions becomes inflamed, causing thickening and tightening of the joint.

However, the condition can be difficult to diagnose, according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons experts, as doing so may require an investigation of the patient's medical history.

Dr Robert J Neviaser said: "Probably the only condition that is similar during the physical examination is shoulder-joint arthritis.

"But with shoulder-joint arthritis, when you try to move the shoulder, you often get a ratchety, grinding sensation - which you do not get with adhesive capsulitis, and of course, the x-rays will show the arthritic changes."

Written by James Puckle