Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Adhesive Capsulitis—Arthroscopic Surgery

(Frozen Shoulder—Arthroscopic Surgery)

How to Say It: ad-HEE-siv cap-soo-LIGHT-iss

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a tightening of the tissue around the shoulder joint. It makes it hard to move the shoulder. This surgery improves range of motion by removing scar tissue.

Frozen Shoulder

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to:

Ease pain
Improve range of motion in the shoulder
Break up scar tissue

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Nerve injury
Damage to soft tissue
Instability or stiffness in joint
Fracture

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Prior shoulder surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

Three small incisions will be made in the shoulder. A special tool called an arthroscope will be inserted. An arthroscope is a flexible tube with a light at the end and a camera attached. This will allow the doctor to view the inside of the shoulder on a screen. Tiny instruments will be inserted into the other incisions. The doctor will cut and remove scar tissue. The arthroscope will be removed. The incisions will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take

About 2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first few weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people leave the same day. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicine
Raise the shoulder to ease swelling
Apply ice to the area
Put your arm in a sling to support the shoulder

Physical therapy will be started soon after surgery.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

You can also lower your chance of infection by:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It may take 6 months to 2 years to fully recover. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infections, such as fever and chills
Increasing redness, swelling, pain, excess bleeding, or discharge
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Tingling or numbness that will not go away, especially in the arms and hands

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org

Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

References:

Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adhesive-capsulitis-of-shoulder. Accessed September 29, 2020.

Frozen shoulder. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 29, 2020.

Le HV, Lee SJ, et al. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: review of pathophysiology and current clinical treatments. Shoulder Elbow. 2017 Apr;9(2):75-84.

Shoulder arthroscopy. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 29, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 6/8/2021

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