Arthroscopic Coracohumeral Ligament Release for Patients With Frozen Shoulder

Arthroscopic pancapsular release has been recommended for recalcitrant frozen shoulder, but regaining range of motion has not been sufficient compared with the unaffected side. There is no consensus about the reasons for these remaining restrictions in range of motion, but residual capsular or connective tissue must be considered a candidate. A thickened coracohumeral ligament at the rotator interval has been reported as one of the most specific manifestations of frozen shoulder. It covers wider portions of the subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus tendon, and infraspinatus tendon than previously reported. We describe an arthroscopic surgical technique for the release of the entire coracohumeral ligament including the subscapularis and supraspinatus portions and the release of the inferior and posterior parts of the glenohumeral ligament using the 7-o'clock portal. These procedures are essential and reliable methods to release the entire joint capsule to regain full range of motion for frozen shoulder.