The glenohumeral joint capsule is a redundant fibrous envelope that must accommodate the enormous range of shoulder motion while providing containment. The rotator cuff muscles blend with the capsule, making the capsule and cuff functionally inseparable. In adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), the capsule contracts to approximately one-third of its normal volume, producing the characteristic equal active-passive restriction.
| Origin | Glenoid neck and labrum |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Anatomical neck of the humerus |
| Actions | Contains the glenohumeral joint; transmits forces between the glenohumeral ligaments and the rotator cuff; restricts motion at extremes of range |
|---|
Adhesive capsulitis involves global glenohumeral capsular contracture with particular tightening of the rotator interval and inferior axillary pouch. The three phases (freezing, frozen, thawing) span 18-24 months without treatment. Hydrodilatation (distension arthrography) ruptures the contracted capsule for rapid symptom relief. Arthroscopic capsular release targets the rotator interval, anteroinferior, and posterior capsule.
Global glenohumeral capsular contracture producing equal active-passive restriction in all planes managed with physiotherapy, injection, hydrodilatation, and arthroscopic release.
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