ICD-10: M75.0

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, commonly referred to as "frozen shoulder," is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The ICD-10 code for this condition is M75.0. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this diagnosis.

Clinical Description

Definition

Adhesive capsulitis is an inflammatory condition that leads to the thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule, which is the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. This results in restricted range of motion and significant discomfort, particularly during movement.

Symptoms

Patients with adhesive capsulitis typically experience:
- Pain: Often a dull or aching pain that can be severe, especially at night or during certain movements.
- Stiffness: A marked reduction in the ability to move the shoulder, particularly in external rotation and abduction.
- Functional Impairment: Difficulty performing daily activities that require shoulder movement, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.

Stages

Adhesive capsulitis generally progresses through three stages:
1. Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain and increasing stiffness, lasting from several weeks to months.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains, leading to significant limitations in shoulder mobility. This stage can last several months.
3. Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in shoulder mobility and reduction in pain, which can take several months to years.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing adhesive capsulitis, including:
- Age: Most commonly affects individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
- Gender: More prevalent in women than men.
- Medical Conditions: Associated with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other conditions that affect connective tissue[8][9].
- Previous Shoulder Injuries: History of shoulder trauma or surgery can predispose individuals to this condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis typically involves:
- Clinical Examination: Assessment of pain, range of motion, and functional limitations.
- Imaging Studies: While X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions, MRI can help visualize the extent of capsular thickening and inflammation.

Treatment

Management of adhesive capsulitis may include:
- Physical Therapy: A structured rehabilitation program focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises to improve range of motion.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief and inflammation reduction.
- Corticosteroid Injections: To alleviate severe pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In persistent cases, surgical intervention such as arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.

Conclusion

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, coded as M75.0 in the ICD-10 classification, is a significant condition that can lead to chronic pain and functional limitations. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are essential for optimal recovery and restoration of shoulder function. Understanding the clinical features, risk factors, and management strategies is crucial for healthcare providers in effectively addressing this condition.

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It is classified under ICD-10 code M75.0. Understanding its clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Adhesive capsulitis typically progresses through three distinct phases:

1. Freezing Phase: This initial phase can last from 6 weeks to 9 months. Patients experience a gradual onset of shoulder pain, which may worsen at night. The pain often leads to a decrease in shoulder mobility, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

2. Frozen Phase: Lasting from 4 to 6 months, this phase is marked by a significant reduction in shoulder movement. While the pain may begin to diminish, the stiffness remains prominent, severely limiting the range of motion.

3. Thawing Phase: This final phase can last from 6 months to 2 years. Patients gradually regain shoulder mobility, and pain continues to decrease. However, some individuals may experience residual stiffness.

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark signs and symptoms of adhesive capsulitis include:

• Pain: Initially, pain is the predominant symptom, often described as a dull ache. It may radiate down the arm and is typically worse at night or with specific movements.
• Limited Range of Motion: Patients exhibit a significant reduction in both active and passive range of motion, particularly in external rotation and abduction.
• Stiffness: The shoulder feels stiff, making it challenging to perform overhead activities or reach behind the back.
• Tenderness: There may be tenderness around the shoulder joint, particularly at the deltoid region.

Patient Characteristics

Certain patient characteristics and risk factors are associated with adhesive capsulitis:

• Age: Most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Gender: Women are more frequently affected than men, with a ratio of approximately 2:1.
• Comorbidities: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis. Diabetic patients, in particular, are at a higher risk due to potential changes in connective tissue.
• Previous Shoulder Injuries: Individuals with a history of shoulder trauma or surgery may be more susceptible to developing this condition.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of shoulder movement due to inactivity can contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.

Conclusion

Adhesive capsulitis (ICD-10 code M75.0) presents with a characteristic pattern of pain and restricted movement, progressing through distinct phases. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, along with understanding patient characteristics, is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention. Early management strategies, including physical therapy and pain relief measures, can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, commonly known as "frozen shoulder," is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The ICD-10-CM code for this condition is M75.0. Below are alternative names and related terms associated with this diagnosis.

Alternative Names

1. Frozen Shoulder: This is the most widely recognized term for adhesive capsulitis, reflecting the significant loss of mobility in the shoulder joint.
2. Shoulder Adhesion: This term emphasizes the adhesions that form in the shoulder capsule, leading to restricted movement.
3. Shoulder Stiffness: A descriptive term that highlights the primary symptom of the condition.
4. Capsulitis of the Shoulder: This term refers to the inflammation of the shoulder capsule, which is a key feature of adhesive capsulitis.

Related Terms

1. Primary Adhesive Capsulitis: This refers to cases where the condition arises without an identifiable cause, often linked to idiopathic factors.
2. Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis: This term is used when the condition develops as a result of another underlying issue, such as injury, surgery, or other shoulder conditions.
3. Rotator Cuff Disease: While not synonymous, this term is often associated with adhesive capsulitis, as both conditions can occur concurrently and share similar symptoms.
4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This condition can sometimes be confused with adhesive capsulitis, as both involve shoulder pain and limited range of motion.

Conclusion

Understanding the various names and related terms for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder can aid in better communication among healthcare providers and patients. Recognizing these terms is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, as they reflect different aspects of the condition and its presentation. If you have further questions or need more specific information, feel free to ask!

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (ICD-10 code M75.0) involves several criteria that healthcare professionals typically consider. Here’s a detailed overview of the diagnostic criteria and relevant considerations.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms

1. Pain: Patients often report a gradual onset of shoulder pain, which may be more pronounced at night or during specific activities.
2. Stiffness: A significant reduction in the range of motion is observed, particularly in external rotation and abduction.
3. Functional Limitations: Patients may experience difficulty performing daily activities, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.

Duration

• Symptoms typically develop over a period of several months, with the condition often progressing through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Each stage has distinct characteristics regarding pain and mobility limitations[3][4].

Physical Examination

Range of Motion Assessment

• A thorough physical examination is crucial. Healthcare providers assess both active and passive range of motion. A notable finding in adhesive capsulitis is a significant limitation in passive range of motion compared to the active range, particularly in external rotation and abduction[4][5].

Pain Provocation Tests

• Specific tests may be performed to elicit pain and assess the extent of shoulder dysfunction. These tests help differentiate adhesive capsulitis from other shoulder pathologies.

Exclusion of Other Conditions

Differential Diagnosis

• It is essential to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and stiffness, such as rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, or arthritis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, may be utilized to exclude these conditions[2][3].

Medical History

• A comprehensive medical history is taken to identify risk factors associated with adhesive capsulitis, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and previous shoulder injuries. These factors can influence both the diagnosis and management of the condition[3][4].

Imaging Studies

Role of Imaging

• While imaging is not always necessary for diagnosis, it can be helpful in confirming the absence of other shoulder pathologies. MRI may show thickening of the joint capsule, which is indicative of adhesive capsulitis[2][5].

Conclusion

The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (ICD-10 code M75.0) is primarily clinical, based on a combination of patient history, symptomatology, physical examination findings, and the exclusion of other shoulder conditions. Understanding these criteria is essential for healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of this condition. If you suspect adhesive capsulitis, consulting a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation is recommended.

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, significantly limiting mobility. The ICD-10 code M75.0 specifically refers to adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Treatment approaches for this condition typically involve a combination of physical therapy, medication, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Below is a detailed overview of standard treatment strategies.

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for adhesive capsulitis. The primary goals are to reduce pain and restore mobility. Key components include:

• Range of Motion Exercises: Gradual stretching exercises help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. These may include pendulum exercises and wall climbing.
• Strengthening Exercises: Once pain decreases, strengthening exercises for the shoulder muscles can help support the joint and prevent future injuries.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization performed by a physical therapist can enhance movement and alleviate pain.

2. Medications

Medications are often used to manage pain and inflammation associated with adhesive capsulitis. Common options include:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe pain, corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint can provide significant relief and improve mobility.

3. Home Remedies and Lifestyle Modifications

Patients are encouraged to adopt certain lifestyle changes and home remedies to aid recovery:

• Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat before exercises can help loosen the shoulder, while ice can reduce inflammation afterward.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain while gradually increasing shoulder use can facilitate recovery.

4. Surgical Options

If conservative treatments fail to provide relief after several months, surgical options may be considered:

• Arthroscopic Capsular Release: This minimally invasive procedure involves cutting the tight portions of the shoulder capsule to improve range of motion.
• Manipulation Under Anesthesia: In this procedure, the shoulder is manipulated while the patient is under anesthesia to break up adhesions and restore movement.

5. Prognosis and Recovery

The prognosis for adhesive capsulitis is generally good, with most patients experiencing significant improvement over time. Recovery can take several months to years, depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment protocols. Early intervention and consistent physical therapy are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ICD-10 code M75.0) can be effectively managed through a combination of physical therapy, medication, and, if necessary, surgical intervention. Patients are encouraged to engage in prescribed exercises, utilize pain management strategies, and consult healthcare professionals for tailored treatment plans. With appropriate care, most individuals can regain full or near-full shoulder function.