Diabetes as a Prognostic Factor in Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review

Influence of the metabolic and inflammatory profile in patients with frozen shoulder - systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frozen Shoulder (FS), also known as adhesive shoulder capsulitis, is characterized by a fibrotic inflammatory process of unknown origin, with the most prominent symptoms being pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility.

METHODS

The systematic review and meta-analysis presented herein provide insights into the pathogenesis of this condition, as well as common metabolic biomarkers potentially implicated in FS, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukins (IL-1, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Dyslipidemia and hormonal factors, such as thyroid dysfunctions, are also examined.

RESULTS

A total of 7,499 individuals were included in the meta-analysis, and one additional study collected 28,416 blood samples from individuals with FS from biobanks. The meta-analysis of metabolic variables showed that HbA1c was the most significantly elevated marker in FS, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of μ^ = 0.3970 (95% CI: 0.0998 to 0.6943), indicating a moderate effect. Glucose showed a mean difference of -0.28 (95% CI: -0.60 to 0.05), which was not statistically significant, suggesting that short-term fluctuations in glucose levels may not be as relevant as long-term metabolic control. Cholesterol had a standardized difference of 0.278 (95% CI: 0.171 to 0.385), being significantly higher in FS. For triglycerides, the SMD was μ^ = 1.0318 (95% CI: -1.0027 to 3.0664), indicating high heterogeneity and preventing a clear conclusion. Hypothyroidism was also evaluated, with a total SMD of 0.067, a total variance of 0.0021, and a 95% confidence interval of -0.024 to 0.158, confirming no association between FS and thyroid function. Regarding inflammatory biomarkers, IL-1β was the most predominant, showing significantly higher levels in FS, with an SMD of μ^ = 2.2671 (95% CI: 0.5750 to 3.9591). TNF-α had a mean difference of μ^ = 0.7814 (95% CI: 0.1013 to 1.4615), reflecting a significant difference from zero (z = 2.2520, p = 0.0243). Finally, IL-6 did not show a significant association, with an SMD of μ^ = 1.6721 (95% CI: -0.9368 to 4.2810).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis highlights the role of metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of FS. HbA1c and cholesterol were the most associated metabolic biomarkers, while IL-1β and TNF-α showed a strong link to inflammation and fibrosis. The heterogeneity in triglycerides and IL-6 underscores the need for studies with standardized methodologies and subgroup analyses. Future research should focus on biomarker progression, patient stratification, and new therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic and immune modulation, considering FS within a broader metabolic-inflammatory framework to improve its classification and treatment.

Corticosteroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder: A Global Online Survey of Health Professionals' Current Practice and Opinion

INTRODUCTION

Frozen shoulder is a disabling condition characterised by severe pain and loss of shoulder movement. Corticosteroid injections are targeted at reducing pain in the earlier painful phase. There are multiple studies on the effectiveness of injections for frozen shoulder, but none were identified to assess if this guidance has been translated into clinical practice. The aim of this survey was to investigate the current practice and opinion of musculoskeletal health professionals regarding corticosteroid injections for frozen shoulder.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The online survey was disseminated via the social media platform 'X' (at the time of the survey known as Twitter) over a 5-week period. Recruitment was by the 'snowball' effect. Responses to multiple choice survey questions were analysed with descriptive data. Free text questions were analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

The number of respondents to the survey was 235. Respondents felt injections have an important role in the management of frozen shoulder (155/235, 66%) and the best time to inject is during the pain predominant phase (191/233; 82%). The glenohumeral joint was the preferred anatomical site to inject (136/235; 58%) with triamcinolone as the preferred steroid (66/155; 43%). A steroid dose of 40 mg/mL was favoured by 55% (83/151) of respondents.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroid injections play an important role in the management of frozen shoulder. There was consensus for the type and dose of corticosteroid and anaesthetic; however, the range of preparations used indicated that many decisions may be based on personal preference or local guidelines.

Hydrodilatation: a comparison between diabetics and non-diabetics with adhesive capsulitis

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this retrospective study is to compare the short and medium-term outcomes for shoulder hydrodilatation for treatment of shoulder AC between diabetic and non-diabetic patients, to evaluate if there were better outcomes amongst non-diabetic patients.

METHODS

Patients with clinical or radiological diagnosis of AC and who underwent fluoroscopic guided shoulder hydrodilatation in our local institution from January 2021 to June 2022 were included in this study. Clinical outcomes were measured with visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and passive range of motion consisting of forward flexion (FF) and external rotation (ER) at pre-hydrodilatation, one month and six months post hydrodilatation.

RESULTS

A total of 163 shoulders were included, corresponding to 156 patients consisting of 47 diabetics, 109 non-diabetics and seven bilateral shoulders (3 diabetics and 4 non-diabetics). At the time of presentation, there was no significant difference in VAS, FF or ER between diabetics and non-diabetics. From pre-hydrodilatation to 1-month post-hydrodilatation and one month to six months post-hydrodilatation, there was significant improvement in VAS, FF and ER for both groups. Comparing diabetics vs. non-diabetics, the non-diabetic group had significantly better FF (p < 0.01) at one month post hydrodilatation. At 6 months post-hydrodilatation, non-diabetic group also had significantly better outcomes including VAS score (p = 0.02), FF (p < 0.01) and ER (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Hydrodilatation is an effective treatment option in the short and medium term in both diabetics and non-diabetics with adhesive capsulitis, with good relief of pain and improvement in shoulder range of motion. Diabetic patients have significantly less improvement in range of motion and pain compared to non-diabetics at six months post hydrodilatation.

Prognostic factors of nonsurgical intervention outcomes for patients with frozen shoulder: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between mental and physical health-related quality of life and the outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with frozen shoulder (FS).

METHODS

This was a two-center retrospective study. It included 84 consecutive patients who underwent a 3-month treatment comprising education, physical therapy, and corticosteroid-anesthetic injections. Changes in range of motion (ROM) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, measured at baseline and after 3 months, were selected as dependent variables. Data on age, sex, Body Mass Index, duration of symptoms, dominant affected limb, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscales were gathered at baseline and investigated as prognostic factors. Backward stepwise regression models were used to identify significant associations.

RESULTS

At 3-month follow-up, all the patients showed significant improvement. Higher SF-36 General Health, Mental Health and Social Functioning scores at baseline were associated with a greater beneficial change in ROM and SPADI. In contrast, lower SF-36 Bodily Pain and Role Emotional scores were found to be associated with greater improvement.

CONCLUSION

The study findings indicate that the self-perceived mental and physical health of patients have a significant impact on both subjective and objective clinical outcomes and healthcare professionals should take these aspects into account.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II.

What volume of injection should be used in hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder? A prospective cohort study

This study evaluated the outcome and recurrence rates after hydrodilatation (HD) in patients with frozen shoulder (FS), comparing the effects of injecting 25 mL or more of fluid versus lower volumes. A total of 132 shoulders (130 patients) were treated at a shoulder clinic between August 2019 and February 2023. HD was performed under ultrasound guidance, injecting a combination of 40 mg Triamcinolone, 10 mL of local anaesthetic, and saline to a total volume of 10 to 40 mL based on patient tolerance. The results were analysed based on the volume of fluid injected and whether patients were diabetic. The overall failure or recurrence rate (FRR) was 24% after a minimum of 1 year. Non-diabetic patients injected with ≥25 mL had a significantly lower FRR (9%) compared to those injected with <25 mL (30%, p = 0.006). Diabetic patients had a much higher FRR of 52%, compared to 17% in non-diabetics (p = 0.0002). The study concluded that injecting patients with ≥25 mL of fluid had a significantly lower FRR than those injected with <25 mL at a minimum of 12 months follow-up (9% vs 30%, p = 0.006). Diabetic patients experienced a higher rate of recurrence, suggesting the need for patient counselling about the increased likelihood of failure.

An Updated Overview of Risk Factors for Shoulder Stiffness

A painful reduction in shoulder mobility, known as "shoulder stiffness", can occur both as a primary idiopathic condition and as a secondary condition, for example, following surgical procedures. Various factors can contribute to the development of primary shoulder stiffness. In this review we summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, genetic influences, endocrine disorders, metabolic conditions, as well as other diseases and medical-therapeutic approaches that might have an impact on the development of primary shoulder stiffness.

A Narrative Review of Adhesive Capsulitis with Diabetes

Background/Objectives: To update the perspectives of the association between diabetes (DM) and adhesive capsulitis (AC). Methods: Our findings were summarized in a narrative review. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Consensus databases, using keywords such as "diabetes", "adhesive capsulitis", and "frozen shoulder", for articles published from January 2015 to June 2024, covering both type 1 and type 2 DM. Results: After compiling relevant articles on DM-related AC published since 2015, we found that most studies show an increased prevalence of AC in DM patients, ranging from 3 to 10 times. A longer duration of DM is a risk factor for AC. Whether T1DM or prolonged insulin use will increase the risk of AC is still controversial. Poor blood sugar control seems to increase the risk of AC. Recent studies also show a correlation between blood sugar levels and the prevalence of AC. Cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, VEGF, and AGEs, related to inflammation and fibrosis may contribute to the pathophysiological processes of AC. Conclusions: Recent research findings have revealed new perspectives divergent from past notions, while also presenting some topics worthy of exploration. Due the close relationship between DM and AC, clinicians need to be alert to the presence of AC, especially early stage, in DM cases, and control the blood glucose level to reduce the risk of AC. Further research is still needed to provide better prevention and management for DM patients with AC.

Comparative effectiveness of low-level laser therapy versus muscle energy technique among diabetic patients with frozen shoulder: a study protocol for a parallel group randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest-growing health challenges of the twenty-first century with multifactorial impact including high rates of morbidity and mortality as well as increased healthcare costs. It is associated with musculoskeletal complications, with frozen shoulder being commonly reported. While low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are commonly used to manage  this condition, there remains a lack of agreement on the most effective approach, with limited research available on their comparative efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of LLLT versus MET among diabetic patients with frozen shoulder.

METHODS

This is a single-centre, prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial with three parallel groups to be conducted at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Sixty diabetic patients with frozen shoulder will be randomly assigned into LLLT group, MET group, or control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. All the groups will receive treatment three times weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be shoulder function and the secondary outcomes will include pain intensity, shoulder ROM, interleukin-6 (IL-6), depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, at post 8-week intervention, and at 3 months follow-up.

DISCUSSION

This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of LLLT versus MET on both clinical and psychological parameters among diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. The findings of the study may provide evidence on the efficacy of these interventions and most likely, the optimal treatment approach for frozen shoulder related to diabetes, which may guide clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202208562111554). Registered on August 10, 2022.

Association of Range of Motion Deficit and Recurrence of Pain After Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the factors influencing the duration of significant pain reduction after conservative management for adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

Follow-up for 6-8 months was performed with 141 patients with AC who experienced significant pain reduction after treatment. Clinical and demographic factors, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, and shoulder range of motion (ROM) were collected and assessed pretreatment (T0), at 5 weeks post-treatment (T1), and at 6-8 months post-treatment (T2). Patients were divided into successful (n = 96) and unsuccessful (n = 45) NRS groups according to the degree of pain reduction at T2. We assessed post-treatment NRS and ROM improvement scores within each group and compared these parameters between the two groups.

RESULTS

Significant NRS and ROM improvements were achieved in all patients who participated in our study. The unsuccessful NRS group demonstrated a lack of significant improvement in abduction at T1 and T2. All T1 and shoulder ROM measurements among the unsuccessful NRS group were significantly smaller than those among the successful NRS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Failure to achieve a significant improvement in abduction angle after conservative management of AC was significantly associated with pain recurrence.

Increased Expression of Adipokines in Patients With Frozen Shoulder

BACKGROUND

Adipokines represent a spectrum of bioactive molecules that could modulate fibroblastic and inflammatory processes. The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of frozen shoulder (FS), a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, remains obscure.

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether adipokines contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of FS and to evaluate any potential correlation of adipokines with patients' symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Shoulder capsule specimens were obtained from 10 patients with FS and 10 patients with shoulder instability (control group). The specimens were dyed using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically assessed with antibodies targeting adipokines, collagen I, collagen III, and tumor necrosis factor α. Immunoreactivity was graded from "no" to "strong" in a blinded manner. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was conducted. Before the surgery, patient-reported frequency of pain, severity of pain, stiffness, and shoulder range of motion were documented.

RESULTS

In comparison with the control group, patients with FS had significantly greater pain frequency, pain severity, and stiffness and more limited shoulder range of motion (P < .001). Hematoxylin and eosin- and Masson trichrome-stained samples from the FS group displayed hypercellularity and increased collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that expression of adipokines was significantly increased in FS capsules compared with the control group. The expression of collagen I, collagen III, and tumor necrosis factor α was also increased in FS capsules. No significant correlation was noted between adipokine expression and patient-reported outcomes in the control group, whereas in patients with FS, adiponectin expression was correlated with pain frequency (r = 0.78; P = .01) and stiffness (r = 0.73; P = .02). Visfatin was also correlated with pain frequency (r = 0.70; P = .02).

CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study indicated a potential role for adipokines in the pathogenesis of FS and demonstrated a correlation between adipokine expression and patients' pain and stiffness.

Effect of surgical timing in outcomes in Hispanic patients after arthroscopic capsular release in diabetic and idiopathic adhesive capsulitis

Background

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is a painful and debilitating condition. While the majority of patients improve with conservative treatment, those who do not improve require surgery such as arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) for symptom relief. However, there is limited literature regarding the optimal timeframe to proceed with surgery.

Methods

This retrospective cohort evaluated 134 Hispanic patients who underwent ACR for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. Patients were divided into an early and a delayed treatment group that included all patients. Patients were then divided into diabetic and idiopathic subgroups. Early vs. delayed treatment outcomes (forward flexion, external rotation, Visual Analog Scale pain scores, and recurrence requiring reoperation) were assessed in all patients and in each subgroup.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between the early and delayed release groups in postoperative forward flexion, external rotation, pain intensity scores, and recurrence requiring reoperation at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up in the all-patient group. In the idiopathic frozen shoulder subgroup, no significant differences were observed in postoperative forward flexion, external rotation, pain intensity scores, and recurrence requiring reoperation at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up. In the diabetic frozen shoulder subgroup, no significant differences were observed in postoperative forward flexion, external rotation, pain intensity scores, and recurrence requiring reoperation at 1 month and 6 months of follow-up visits.

Conclusions

There was no difference in outcomes following ACR for adhesive capsulitis between patients who underwent early release vs. delayed release. There were no significant differences in outcomes between early and delayed arthroscopic release in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus.

Exploring the potential relationship between frozen shoulder and Dupuytren's disease through bioinformatics analysis and machine learning

Background

Frozen shoulder (FS) and Dupuytren's disease (DD) are two closely related diseases, but the mechanism of their interaction is unknown. Our study sought to elucidate the molecular mechanism of these two diseases through shared gene and protein interactions.

Methods

GSE75152 and GSE140731 data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and shared genes between FS and DD were selected by using R packages. Then, we used Cytoscape software and the STRING database to produce a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Important interaction networks and hub genes were selected through MCODE and cytoHubba algorithms. To explore the potential mechanisms of the development of the two diseases, the hub genes were further enriched by GO and KEGG analyses. We predicted the transcription factors (TFs) of hub genes with Transcriptional Regulatory Relationships Unraveled by Sentence-based Text mining (TRRUST). Moreover, we identified candidate genes for FS with DD with cytoHubba and machine learning algorithms. Finally, we analyzed the role of immunocyte infiltration in FS and constructed the relationship between candidate genes and immunocytes in FS.

Results

We identified a total of 321 shared genes. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment of shared genes showed that extracellular matrix and collagen fibril tissue play a certain role in the occurrence and development of disease. According to the importance of genes, we constructed the key PPI network of shared genes and the top 15 hub genes for FS with DD. Then, we predicted that five TFs are related to the hub genes and are highly expressed in the FS group. Machine learning results show that the candidate genes POSTN and COL11A1 may be key for FS with DD. Finally, immune cell infiltration revealed the disorder of immunocytes in FS patients, and expression of candidate genes can affect immunocyte infiltration.

Conclusion

We identified a PPI network, 15 hub genes, and two immune-related candidate genes (POSTN and COL11A1) using bioinformatics analysis and machine learning algorithms. These genes have the potential to serve as diagnostic genes for FS in DD patients. Furthermore, our study reveals disorder of immunocytes in FS.

Selected musculoskeletal disorders in patients with thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and obesity

Many medical conditions affect the skeletal system and constitute independent risk factors for fractures. The action of thyroid hormones is necessary to maintain adequate development, mineralization, and bone strength. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and pathological fractures. In hypothyroidism, the changes in the quality of bone structure lead to an increase in the frequency of fractures. Excessive body weight negatively impacts fracture risk, increases the risk of osteoarthritis and accelerates the development of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of bone fractures despite different etiopathogenesis due to the duration of the disease and the pro-inflammatory state, the incorporation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) into the bone matrix, and microvascular disorders. This study summarizes the current literature on the influence of thyroid dysfunction, obesity, and diabetes on the skeletal system.

A Case Series: Effect of Comorbidities on the Outcomes of Prolotherapy Injection for Frozen Shoulder Patients

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a disease caused by an inflammatory condition that causes severe pain and decreased range of motion by loss of glenohumeral mobility. Frozen Shoulder restricts daily life's functional aspect, increasing morbidity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are risk factors that make an FS poor prognosis during treatment because of the diabetes glycation process and hypertension-enhanced vascularization. Prolotherapy injects an irritant solution into the tendon, joints, ligaments, and joint spaces to release growth factors and collagen deposition, reducing pain, restoring joint stability, and increasing the quality of life. We report 3 cases of patients with confirmed FS. Patient A with no comorbidity, patient B with diabetes mellitus, and patient C with hypertension, with all patient's chief complaints of shoulder pain and limited ROM, and symptoms affected the general quality of daily life. This patient was provided injection with Prolotherapy treatment combined with physical therapy intervention. Patient A had significantly improved ROM to maximum after 6 weeks with relieved pain and improved shoulder function. Patients B and C showed increased ROM, still tiny, decreased pain, and improved shoulder function. In conclusion, prolotherapy demonstrated a beneficial effect in a patient with FS with comorbidities, although not to the maximum extent in patients without comorbidity.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a common debilitating disorder characterized by shoulder pain and progressive loss of shoulder movement. Frozen shoulder is frequently associated with other systemic conditions or occurs following periods of immobilization, and has a protracted clinical course, which can be frustrating for patients as well as health-care professionals. Frozen shoulder is characterized by fibroproliferative tissue fibrosis, whereby fibroblasts, producing predominantly type I and type III collagen, transform into myofibroblasts (a smooth muscle phenotype), which is accompanied by inflammation, neoangiogenesis and neoinnervation, resulting in shoulder capsular fibrotic contractures and the associated clinical stiffness. Diagnosis is heavily based on physical examination and can be difficult depending on the stage of disease or if concomitant shoulder pathology is present. Management consists of physiotherapy, therapeutic modalities such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, hydrodilation and surgical interventions; however, their effectiveness remains unclear. Facilitating translational science should aid in development of novel therapies to improve outcomes among individuals with this debilitating condition.