Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is a condition of unknown etiology that results in the development of restriction of active and passive gleno-humeral motion. The authors will review what currently is known about the etiology of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis, will raise unanwered questions regarding etiology and treatment, and will define a stage-based evaluation and treatment program. Treatment options including benign neglect, home-based and supervised physical therapy, intraarticular corticosteroid injections, closed manipulations, and arthroscopic capsular release will be reviewed critically and the authors' approach to the treat- ment of patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis also will he presented. Additionally, areas of future research will be defined.