Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
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Synopsis
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (also called "frozen shoulder") is a condition of fibrosis and contracture of the shoulder joint capsule that results in pain and loss of range of motion. It may be unilateral or bilateral. It affects women more than men (70% of patients with frozen shoulder are women) and is most likely to occur in the patient's 50s-60s. The cause is unknown, although risk factors include diabetes (type 1), thyroid disorders, and prolonged immobilization. Adhesive capsulitis can be the presenting symptom of Parkinson disease and is seen in Parkinson disease with much more frequency.The condition usually occurs in 3 phases:
- Pain – insidious onset of pain that becomes severe and disabling. Pain is worse at night, and stiffness increases over time. The first phase typically lasts between 2 and 9 months.
- Contracture – stiffness and progressive loss of range of motion, limiting normal activities of daily living. This phase usually lasts between 4 and 12 months. Pain improves.
- Recovery, or "thawing" phase – a progressive improvement of range of motion over the following 5-24 months.
Codes
ICD10CM:M75.00 – Adhesive capsulitis of unspecified shoulder
SNOMEDCT:
399114005 – Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Biceps tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis of shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology
- Myocardial infarction
- Cervical spine pathology
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:06/07/2018
Last Updated:02/13/2022
Last Updated:02/13/2022
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder