Which factor is commonly associated with secondary adhesive capsulitis?

Which factor is commonly associated with secondary adhesive capsulitis?

• A. Prolonged immobilization
• B. Acute infection
• C. Overhead athletic activity without immobilization
• D. Vitamin deficiency

Answer: (A)

Prolonged immobilization is a classic trigger for secondary adhesive capsulitis. When the shoulder is kept still after an injury, surgery, or dislocation, the joint capsule and surrounding structures don’t move through their normal range. This disuse leads to fibrosis and thickening of the capsule, creating a restrictive, contractile joint. Over time, this produces the characteristic capsular pattern of loss of motion—external rotation most limited, followed by abduction and internal rotation—along with pain. The other options don’t fit as well. An acute infection isn’t a typical precursor to adhesive capsulitis and would present with signs of infection plus a different joint pathology. Overhead activity without immobilization tends toward overuse injuries like tendinopathy or impingement, not a fibrotic capsular contraction. Vitamin deficiency isn’t a recognized driver of adhesive capsulitis.

Prolonged immobilization is a classic trigger for secondary adhesive capsulitis. When the shoulder is kept still after an injury, surgery, or dislocation, the joint capsule and surrounding structures don’t move through their normal range. This disuse leads to fibrosis and thickening of the capsule, creating a restrictive, contractile joint. Over time, this produces the characteristic capsular pattern of loss of motion—external rotation most limited, followed by abduction and internal rotation—along with pain.

The other options don’t fit as well. An acute infection isn’t a typical precursor to adhesive capsulitis and would present with signs of infection plus a different joint pathology. Overhead activity without immobilization tends toward overuse injuries like tendinopathy or impingement, not a fibrotic capsular contraction. Vitamin deficiency isn’t a recognized driver of adhesive capsulitis.