Evaluation of Arthroscopic Capsular Release Together with Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Objective: In this study, long term outcomes of patients treated with arthroscopic capsular release together with manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) were evaluated. In addition, differences in terms of function and quality of life between patients with and without additional pathologies were investigated. Material and Methods: A total of 20 patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release together MUA between 2003 and 2008 were evaluated. Sixteen patients were females and four patients were males with a mean age of 55.75 (44-77) years and an average follow-up period 41.60 (12-72) months. Constant score, unweighted Constant score, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index (WORC), joint range of motion and isometric muscle strenght were used for preoperative clinical assessment. Results: Postoperative anterior flexion and abduction extended from 50.50-50 degrees to 162.25-165.75 degrees (p<0.001). External rotation at 90 degrees abduction and 0 degree abduction improved 97% and 89%, respectively when compared to healthy side. Constant score which was 14.75 points preoperatively was found as 74.89 points postoperatively (p<0.001). Unweighted Constant score which was 14.75 points preoperatively was found as 68.25 points postoperatively (p<0.001). Abduction muscle strenght improved 107% and external rotation muscle strenght improved 86% according to reaching healthy side. While WORC index was 1758 points preoperatively, it decreased to 248 points postoperatively (p<0.001). There was no difference between groups with and without additional disorders in terms of function and quality of life (p>0.05).Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsular release together with MUA is a technique that improves the functions of shoulder and quality of life in term in patients in whom conservative treatment failed.