Functional results of Circumferential Capsular Release in adhesive shoulder capsulitis. Comparative study of patients over and under fifty years of age.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to evaluate the functional and mobility outcomes in patients who have undergone arthroscopic circumferential arthrolysis of the shoulder and to find out if there are differences in the results in relation to the patient's age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis treated by arthroscopic 360º circumferential capsulotomy in lateral position and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Range of motion (ROM), functional outcomes using the Constant Score (CS), health-related quality of life outcomes with the EuroQol Five Dimensions tool (EQ-5D), pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: A total of 26 shoulders were included, 10 men (41.7%) and 14 women (58.3%), with 2 patients being bilateral. The mean age was 48.64 ± 7.5 years, and the mean follow-up was 50.2 months. Postoperative ROM improved significantly compared to preoperative ROM (p < 0.05). Shoulder forward flexion improved by 38.6° (95%CI 22.3-54.9, p < 0.01), abduction by 35.2° (95%CI 17.6-52.8, p < 0.01) and external rotation by 21.9° (95%CI 12.8-30.9, p < 0.01 p < 0.01). Median internal rotation improved from buttock to T12 (p < 0.01). The mean improvement in CS was 54.3 ± 24.4 points (p < 0.01). The EQ-5D and VAS scores at the end of follow-up were 0.73 ± 0.23 and 2.73 ± 2.55, respectively. There were no statistical differences between young patients and patients aged 50 years or older in ROM or functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age did not affect outcomes significantly, with patients older than 50 years showing similar results to younger patients.