Arthroscopic Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Frozen shoulder, also called as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a very painful joint condition. It usually seen in old age, but can be present in young people as a result of a deformity or trauma. In this condition, the patients have difficulty and pain while moving or performing activities where motions over the shoulder joint are involved. The pain and difficulty are accompanied by stiffness and restricted movements, even while doing simple activities. CAUSE: The condition is caused by progressive scarring of the shoulder capsule resulting in thickening of the capsule. This capsule normally helps in free gliding of the ball and socket of the shoulder and also acts as a protective layer around the joint. But due to some reasons, there is scarring and thickening of this capsular layer causing pain, friction and restriction of the movements over the shoulder joint. It is a very common and painful condition, inhibiting the daily activities of the patients.
SYMPTOMS:
Stiffness Restricted movements of overhand motions, e.g. picking up a bucket of water, raising the arm 90 degrees, etc. Intense pain Decrease quality of life
TREATMENT: The Frozen shoulder can be treated with non-surgical methods in the initial stages of the condition. Physical therapy and pain medication can help in restoring movements. But the degree of improvement varies in patients. Some patients after trying all the medical methods fail to improve and the condition worsens resulting in complete prevention of movements. Therefore, in such conditions, surgical invasion remains the mainstay of the treatment.
FROZEN SHOULDER SURGERY:
The Arthroscopic Capsular release is the usual treatment. In this procedure, an arthroscopy with a camera and instruments are passed through small incisions made over the joint. In this condition a formation of a tight capsule prevents proper movement of the joint, therefore the capsular is cut and removed in this procedure to allow free and painless movements and stability of the joint is restored. It is the most important part of the procedure to look after improvement in the shoulder mobility. Sometimes a sling is attached t the arm to prevent the capsule of the shoulder to get stretched.
REHABILITATION: Full range of motion is achieved in a few months’ time, with physical and strength training which also will help to prevent scar tissue from forming again.