Pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder and the physiological effects of hyaluronan

Abstract

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly described as “frozen shoulder,” is experienced as chronic soreness and discomfort accompanied by an increasing inability to use and manipulate the joint, which can cause disability and interfere with normal activities. The onset of the condition is sudden and the origins obscure. The more we know about how this condition arises and evolves in the human body, the better the medical profession can provide effective management and amelioration. In examining the pathology and pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis, we found recent evidence that intra-articular use of hyaluronan can provide effective relief. In this letter, we summarized this research to obtain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis and the effects of hyaluronan.