The connective tissues that surround the shoulder joint can, over time, thicken and become tighter leading to a frozen shoulder. This connective tissue thickening can cause shoulder pain, stiffness, and decreased shoulder and arm movement. Some individuals may even experience a complete loss of shoulder function making it difficult to perform simple activities of daily living. Certain underlying health conditions, such as age, previous shoulder injuries, and diabetes, can predispose an individual to develop a frozen shoulder.
While the majority of patients with a frozen shoulder benefit from conservative therapies such as rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), some may fail to respond to these initial treatments. These patients often require more invasive measures through manual manipulation of the shoulder and an arthroscopic capsular release. Patients have better recovery outcomes when these two procedures are combined. Surgical intervention, typically performed during the “frozen” stage, aims to stretch and release the joint capsule in order to regain the full range of motion of the shoulder. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic shoulder doctor, treats patients in Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, who have experienced a frozen shoulder and are in need of surgical repair.
Dr. McCormick typically performs a frozen shoulder repair as an outpatient procedure as the majority of patients do not require an overnight hospital stay. Prior to the procedure, anesthesia is administered and the patient is situated into position. When the patient is stable, Dr. McCormick carefully moves the shoulder through a specific range of motion to stretch the shoulder capsule and surrounding connective tissues. The manual manipulation of the shoulder allows the tight shoulder capsule to be released thereby minimizing shoulder pain and improving range of motion. After this series of movements, Dr. McCormick proceeds to create a number of small incisions surrounding the affected shoulder. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a portal into the shoulder and the images are transmitted to a screen allowing Dr. McCormick to evaluate the soft tissue damage. A sterile solution is also continuously circulated throughout the procedure to improve the quality of these images. A radiofrequency probe is then introduced into the shoulder joint. This surgical tool uses radiofrequency waves to sever the tissue capsule, and simultaneously cauterize the tissues, allowing the joint to move more freely. When all the necessary revisions have been conducted, the arthroscope and surgical instruments are withdrawn, and the incisions are closed with steri-strips or sutures.
The recovery process begins immediately following an arthroscopic capsular release to prevent shoulder stiffness and a recurrence of a frozen shoulder. The majority of patients in Orlando, Palm Beach County, and the surrounding Florida communities can expect to regain full range of motion of the shoulder in approximately 6 weeks. Pain and any other post-operative symptoms are managed with rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. A successful recovery following an arthroscopic capsular release is often dictated by the patient’s willingness to comply with post-operative care instructions, particularly the physical therapy program tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
For more information on shoulder labrum and SLAP tear repairs, or to discuss your shoulder labrum treatment options, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder doctor serving Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Beach County, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
