We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of arthroscopic anterior capsular release for patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of this treatment. Between January 2000 and October 2003, 17 patients (seven males, ten females) with a mean age of 58.4 years (range; 44 to 72 years) were studied. The mean duration between the onset of symptoms and surgery was 8.2 months. All patients were evaluated before and after surgery with the JOA score (pain, function (muscle strength and activities of daily living), range of motion, instability and X-ray, maximum 100 points). The mean preoperative JOA score was 50 points, and the mean postoperative was 94 points. There was a significant decrease in pain and significant increases in muscle strength, the ability to perform activities of daily living and range of motion. There were no complications related to the operation. We concluded that arthroscopic anterior capsular release provides pain relief as well as satisfactory function and range of motion.
