Frozen Shoulder Release Surgery Overview

Frozen shoulder release surgery, also known as Arthroscopic Adhesiolysis, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate the pain and restore mobility in patients suffering from adhesive capsulitis. This condition involves thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule, leading to restricted movement and discomfort. During the surgery, the surgeon utilizes a small camera and surgical instruments to carefully release the tight bands of tissue, allowing the shoulder joint to regain its range of motion. With a focus on promoting quicker recovery and minimizing scar tissue formation, the procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients experience significant improvement in shoulder function and a reduction in pain, facilitating a return to daily activities and an enhanced quality of life.

image shows Dr Mayne holding a plastic model of a shoulder and pointing to parts of the shoulder

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Frozen Shoulder Release Surgery

1. Preoperative Preparation

  • Patient Consultation: Discuss the surgical procedure, risks, and expected outcomes with the patient.

  • Medical Evaluation: Perform a thorough medical assessment, including imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Informed Consent: Ensure the patient understands the procedure and has signed the consent form.

2. Anesthesia

  • Administration of Anesthesia: The patient is typically placed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, depending on the surgeon's recommendation and patient preference.

3. Positioning

  • Patient Positioning: Position the patient on the operating table, usually in a supine position (lying on their back), with the affected arm accessible.

4. Surgical Approach

  • Incision: Make a small incision at the anterior part of the shoulder joint to access the glenohumeral joint capsule.

5. Arthroscopic Exploration

  • Insertion of Arthroscope: Insert an arthroscope (a small camera) to visualize the inside of the shoulder joint.

  • Assessment: Examine the extent of adhesions and inflammation in the joint.

6. Release of Adhesions

  • Capsular Release: Use specialized instruments to carefully release the tight, thickened joint capsule and any adhesions surrounding the shoulder.

  • Decompression: If necessary, perform additional procedures to decompress the shoulder joint by removing bone spurs or other obstructive tissue.

7. Fluid Irrigation

  • Irrigation: Flush the joint with saline to remove debris and blood, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of infection.

8. Closure

  • Suture the Incision: Close the incision with sutures or staples, ensuring proper alignment of the skin edges.

  • Dressing: Apply a sterile dressing over the incision site.

9. Postoperative Care

  • Recovery Monitoring: Monitor the patient in the recovery room until they are stable and ready to be discharged.

  • Pain Management: Administer analgesics to manage postoperative pain.

  • Rehabilitation Instructions: Provide guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation, including physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength in the shoulder.

10. Follow-Up

  • Schedule Follow-Up Appointments: Arrange follow-up visits to monitor healing and evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery.

  • Assess Recovery Progress: Adjust rehabilitation protocols as necessary based on the patient’s progress.

This straightforward outline covers the fundamental steps in frozen shoulder release surgery. Each case may require specific adjustments based on individual circumstances.