The range of motion (ROM) after conservative treatment of a contracture of the shoulder was compared with arthrographic measurements. This study was conducted on 23 shoulders treated conservatively and whose maximum flexion angle was 20 degrees less than that of the opposite shoulder. The age of the patients ranged from 53 to 68 years (average; 59.5). ROM was recorded prior to and after treatment with regard to flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. Then on the ar thrograms, the size of the anterior, inferior and posterior pouches and the distance between the coracoid process and the greater tuberosity, were measured prior to and after treatment. Furthermore, the correlation between ROM and measurements on arthrograms was examined. The measurements on arthrograms were shown as percentages of the diameter of the humeral head. There was a significant improvement of ROM with regard to flexion, abduction, external rotation in the pendulous position and interal rotation in the 90-degree-abduction position after conservative therapy. A significant extension of the anterior. pouch was observed on the arthrograms. There was a significant increase of the distance between the coracoid process and the greater tuberosity on the X-ray films. Therefore, if arthroscopic treatment is selected for contracture of the shoulder, it should include releases of the antero-inferior capsule, the coraco-acromial ligament and the coraco-humeral ligament.
