Shoulder Arthroscopy- Frozen Shoulder Release Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by pain and loss of motion in shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder release is extremely useful in cases of frozen shoulder that do not respond to therapy and rehabilitation. The aim of the surgery is to decrease pain, reduce the recovery time and help to gain full range of movement. Arthroscopic capsular release and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) are the surgical procedures performed to treat the frozen shoulder. PRE-OPERATIVE STEPS Every effort is made to assess the patient prior to surgery in order to ensure safety of the patient for the elective procedure. 1. After admission, routine blood work-up will be done prior to surgery. Depending on the age of the patient and other premorbid conditions, other investigations such as Echocardiography may be performed. 2. All the investigations prior to surgery are performed in order to ensure that the surgical procedure can be safely tolerated by the patient, since shoulder arthroscopy is an elective procedure. If any risk is involved, the patient/ attendants will be informed so. 3. Blood transfusion though rarely required, may be done depending on the reports. 4. X-rays and/or MRI may be done depending on the surgeon’s choice and the surgical indication. 5. Surgical consent will be explained to the patient detailing the procedure as well as the risks involved, if any. INTRA-OPERATIVE STEPS A manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is most commonly indicated in patients with simple frozen shoulder. This procedure is performed with the patient sedated under anesthesia. Your surgeon moves the shoulder through a range of motion which causes the capsule and scar tissue to stretch or tear. Thus the tight capsule is released allowing increased range of motion. The procedure involves freeing the shoulder by manipulation and does not involve any incisions. Arthroscopic capsular release is a keyhole surgery that involves the release of the tight, constricted capsule. It is an effective treatment for most people with stiff shoulder after injury, trauma, or fracture, and diabetes. 1. During the procedure 2 to 3 small incision holes are made in the shoulder in the front and the back. 2. The thickened, swollen abnormal capsule tissue is cut and removed using a special radiofrequency thermal probe with adequate precautions to not damage the normal tissue. 3. Once adequate capsular release is achieved, wound is closed and dressing applied. 4. Once again the shoulder movements are checked to ensure adequate shoulder release. POST-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT Following Capsular release, immediate rehabilitation is necessary to prevent the recurrence of Frozen Shoulder. The aim of the rehabilitation is to reduce pain and to restore full range of motion. • Pain medications are recommended to control pain • Following these procedures, though much easier than the pre-operative phase, aggressive regular exercises need to be done in order to maintain full range of motion for 1 week- 1 month. • If you feel comfortable and have good range of movement, you can begin driving 1 week after your surgery. • Returning to work depends on the nature of your work. If you are in a sedentary job you may be able to return as early as 1 week after surgery • But if your job requires heavy lifting or using your arm at shoulder height, it may take longer time to return to your work. • Full range of motion is achieved at 4 – 6 weeks once the swelling is reduced.