Is it safe for the cuff to perform a full circumferential arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder? A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Frozen shoulder causes prolonged pain and restricted range of motion (ROM), with many patients requiring surgery when conservative treatment fails. Arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) is a common intervention, but the optimal extent of release-particularly the safety of superior capsule release and risk of iatrogenic rotator cuff tears-remains controversial. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the clinical effects of releasing the superior capsule of the shoulder as part of a full circumferential ACR, specifically evaluating the rate of postoperative rotator cuff tears.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were

SUBMITTER: Palacios-Diaz L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12743437 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature