Adhesive Capsulitis Surgery in Glenview
The condition of adhesive capsulitis is often referred to as "frozen shoulder." Unlike the loss of motion in the shoulder associated with arthritis, adhesive capsulitis causes thickening of the lining of the shoulder-called the capsule-and limits mobility. Some variations can even render the capsule, normally a few millimeters thick, up to 10-15 millimeters thick, necessitating adhesive capsulitis surgery. In Glenview, Illinois, IBJI member Dr. Greg Portland is an expert on shoulder and knee injuries and can help determine the cause of the frozen shoulder and the best course of action to remedy the problem.
Arthroscopic capsular release is the technical name for adhesive capsulitis surgery. In Glenview, Dr. Greg Portland performs the surgery at the Ravine Way Surgery Center. In this surgery, the contracted capsule and ligaments are surgically incised. While this surgery has a 5% failure rate, it is most often successful. Surgery is not always necessary, however; determining the cause of the frozen shoulder is important for deciding the course of action.
With this type of condition, the shoulder spontaneously freezes for no apparent reason. Often associated with thyroid disorders or diabetes, primary adhesive capsulitis most often occurs in women between the ages of 40 and 50. The frozen shoulder often goes back to normal after 6-24 months, but not before causing extreme pain and lack of mobility. Therapy and steroid shots can help, but are not proven effective in all cases. Surgery or manipulation under anesthesia (to tear the frozen tissue) is often recommended.
This occurs as a result of another issue leading to pain that causes the capsule to thicken in response. This is less severe than primary adhesive capsulitis; therefore, physical therapy and steroid injections are more effective and surgery or manipulation under anesthesia is not as often necessary.
