Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

We treated 22 patients with a diagnosis of primary frozen shoulder resistant to conservative treatment by manipulation under anaesthetic and arthroscopic release of the rotator interval, at a mean time from onset of 15 months (3 to 36). Biopsies were taken from this site and histological and immunocytochemical analysis was performed to identify the types of cell present. The tissue was characterised by the presence of fibroblasts, proliferating fibroblasts and chronic inflammatory cells. The infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells was predominantly made up of mast cells, with T cells, B cells and macrophages also present. The pathology of frozen shoulder includes a chronic inflammatory response with fibroblastic proliferation which may be immunomodulated.

Original publication

DOI

10.1302/0301-620X.89B7.19097

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Bone Joint Surg Br

Publication Date

07/2007

Volume

89

Pages

928 - 932

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Arthroscopy, Biopsy, Bursitis, Female, Fibroblasts, Humans, Joint Capsule, Joint Diseases, Male, Manipulation, Orthopedic, Middle Aged, Range of Motion, Articular, Shoulder Joint, Treatment Outcome