Occurrence
In contrast to the primary frozen shoulder, secondary posttraumatic and postsurgical shoulder stiffness evolves from a defined traumatic event or after a surgical procedure.
Treatment selection
The different basic pathologies for secondary shoulder stiffness determine the selection of the treatment concept and therapeutic options. Therefore, a differentiated case history, physical examination, and imaging studies are required.
Conservative treatment
Contrary to primary frozen shoulder, secondary shoulder stiffness is rarely self-limiting. The conservative treatment approach is restricted to a couple of weeks to months without any positive trend towards regaining shoulder mobility or pain reduction.
Surgical treatment
Depending on the pathology, surgical treatment is required in most cases either arthroscopically or as an open surgical release. Skeletal or articular deformities as the mechanical reason for shoulder stiffness must be addressed and corrected as early as possible to avoid secondary soft tissue scaring.
Prevention
The prevention of developing secondary shoulder stiffness is an important issue and may be achieved with short immobilization, early physical therapy, and sufficient analgesia.