- Adhesive capsulitis
- Constant severe limitation of the range of motion of the shoulder due to scarring around the shoulder joint. Also called a "frozen shoulder." Adhesive capsulitis is an unwanted consequence of rotator cuff disease: damage to the rotator cuff, the set of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and help move the shoulder in diverse directions. The affected joint is characteristically painful and tender to palpation. Physical therapy and corticosteroid injections (a "cortisone shot" into the joint) are often helpful. Surgery is reserved for more advanced cases.
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adhesive capsulitis n frozen shoulder* * *
adhesive inflammation between the joint capsule and the peripheral articular cartilage of the shoulder with obliteration of the subdeltoid bursa, characterized by shoulder pain of gradual onset, with increasing pain, stiffness, and limitation of motion. Called also adhesive bursitis and frozen shoulder.
Medical dictionary. 2011.