Surgical release for stiff frozen shoulders: Surgery to remove scar tissue and release contractures can lessen pain and improve function for stiff shoulders that have not responded to rehabilitation or physical therapy.
Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005
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Introduction
This is the information which might be shared with patients as they
consider a surgical release for shoulder stiffness. Before it can be
applied to a specific clinical situation, however, it needs to be
tailored to the patient, the problem, and the surgeon.Home exercise program Most patients with stiff shoulders can improve their comfort and function with a home exercise program.
Your doctor may consider an open surgical release for the few stiff
shoulders which do not improve with a persistent effort at the
exercises.Purpose The purpose of the surgical release is to cut through the adhesions,
scar tissue, and other structures that may be interfering with the
motion of your shoulder.Alternatives to surgery This procedure is purely elective. The alternatives are to continue with the exercises or to accept the current range of motion.Risks Open release is a surgical operation; as such it carries some risks.
These include the risk of anesthesia, infection, nerve injury, blood
vessel injury, excessive looseness and instability of the shoulder,
persistent or increased shoulder stiffness, fracture, increased pain,
or the need for repeat surgery.After the surgery After surgery, it is essential that you resume the stiff shoulder exercises so that adhesions will not have an opportunity to reform.
While an experienced surgeon can loosen the shoulder at surgery, you
are the only person who can maintain the motion during the healing
period. These exercises will need to be continued for up to a year
after your surgery. If you have concerns about your ability to carry
out this important aspect of your treatment, please discuss this with
your doctor before you undertake surgery.
You are likely to be in the hospital until your exercise program is
well launched. At the time of discharge your doctor will encourage you
to be physically active and to avoid narcotic and sleeping medications.
You will be unable to drive for at least two weeks after this
procedure, so you should make appropriate provisions for getting around
during this time. Who should consider surgery Open surgical release is considered for informed, consenting patients
if the manipulation is not indicated or successful in reestablishing
motion in a stiff shoulder. The patient's role in the recovery process
is emphasized.
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