Early and long-term results of arthroscopic treatment for shoulder stiffness.

We evaluated the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment in 42 patients with shoulder stiffness. Of 44 stiff shoulders, 30 were classified as primary idiopathic, 7 were classified as traumatic, 4 occurred after prolonged immobilization, and 3 occurred in diabetic patients. Similar intraarticular findings were made in all cases. Bursoscopy suggested subacromial impingement in one third of the patients; they underwent not only capsular release but also subacromial decompression. Gains in motion and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score were statistically significant at 4 weeks after operation and at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years. The results at the latest follow-up were excellent in 37 shoulders (84%), good in 3 (7%), and poor in 4 (9%). Of the 4 poor results, 2 were in patients with traumatic injury, 1 in a diabetic patient, and 1 in a primary idiopathic patient. There were no complications related to the arthroscopic procedure. Our treatment combines fast recovery with long-term efficacy.