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Adhesive CapsulitisFROZEN-EMGNCT07495306

Electrophysiologic Changes After Extended 360° Capsular Release

An observational study of Adhesive Capsulitis and Frozen Shoulder, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and restricted range of motion, significantly impairing daily living activities. In cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, arthroscopic capsular release is an effective surgical treatment option. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 21 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder
What is being tested?
Arthroscopic 360° Capsular Release
How many people
15 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
26 Feb 2026to 14 Mar 2027
How long will I take part?
12 Weeks
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 21 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: The study population will consist of adult patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) who do not respond to conservative treatment and are scheduled to undergo arthroscopic capsular release surgery. Patients will be recruited from the orthopedic and traumatology clinics of Acibadem University Hospital. All participants will be between 21 and 70 years of age and will undergo standard clinical evaluation and electrophysiological assessment as part of the study protocol.

Who may be able to join

  • Age between 21 and 70 years
  • Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
  • Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy, medication, or intra-articular injections)
  • Planned arthroscopic capsular release surgery
  • Ability to provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Known peripheral neuropathy
  • Previous brachial plexus injury
  • History of ipsilateral shoulder neurovascular surgery
  • Previous proximal brachial plexus surgery
  • Coagulation disorders
  • Active infection
  • Pregnancy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Mehmet Oğuz Çolak, MD contact

+90 544 401 7600

oguzcolak22@gmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Hospital

    Istanbul, Istanbul, 34752

    Nezih Ziroglu, MD, +90 505 631 6484, nezih.ziroglu@yahoo.com

    Mehmet Oğuz Çolak, MD, +90 544 401 7600, oguzcolak22@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Electrophysiological Evidence of Neural Function Improvement After Extended Arthroscopic Circumferential Capsular Release for Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and restricted range of motion, significantly impairing daily living activities. In cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, arthroscopic capsular release is an effective surgical treatment option. The 360° capsular release technique, performed by some surgeons, involves release of the inferior capsule and therefore carries a potential risk of nerve injury due to the anatomical proximity of neurovascular structures such as the axillary nerve. In addition, surgical manipulations performed around the coracoid process may exert mechanical or compressive effects on the musculocutaneous nerve and its sensory continuation, the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, due to their close relationship with the lateral cord of the brachial plexus.

The aim of this prospective, single-center observational clinical study is to objectively evaluate the morphological and functional effects of inferior capsular release and coracoid region dissection performed during arthroscopic 360° capsular release surgery on the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves, using electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in patients with frozen shoulder.

Read more

Patients aged 21-70 years with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder who have not responded to conservative treatments and are scheduled for arthroscopic capsular release will be included in the study. EMG and NCS assessments will be performed at the preoperative baseline, and at 12 weeks postoperatively. For the axillary nerve, the deltoid and teres minor muscles will be evaluated; for the musculocutaneous nerve, the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles will be assessed. Additionally, sensory conduction of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve will be examined. Along with electrophysiological findings, shoulder range of motion (ROM), pain (VAS), muscle strength (MRC), and functional scores will also be recorded.

This study is expected to provide objective evidence regarding the effects of arthroscopic capsular release surgery on peripheral nerve function, thereby contributing new data on the safety of the surgical technique and enriching the currently limited literature on electromyographic evaluation in frozen shoulder surgery.

Read the detailed description

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a disabling condition characterized by shoulder pain and significant limitation of active and passive range of motion. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and intra-articular injections fail, arthroscopic capsular release is commonly performed to restore shoulder mobility.

Arthroscopic 360° capsular release involves circumferential release of the shoulder capsule, including the inferior capsule. Due to the close anatomical relationship of the inferior capsule with the axillary nerve and the proximity of the coracoid region to the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, surgical manipulation in these regions may theoretically affect the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. While neurological complications after shoulder arthroscopy are considered rare, the electrophysiological effects of capsular release procedures on peripheral nerve function have not been systematically evaluated in prospective studies.

This prospective single-center observational clinical study aims to evaluate the morphological and functional effects of inferior capsular release and peri-coracoid dissection on the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves in patients undergoing arthroscopic 360° capsular release for adhesive capsulitis.

Patients aged 21-70 years with frozen shoulder who do not respond to conservative treatments and are scheduled for arthroscopic capsular release will be included. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be performed at baseline before surgery and repeated during postoperative follow-up.

For the axillary nerve, the deltoid and teres minor muscles will be evaluated using needle EMG. For the musculocutaneous nerve, the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles will be examined. In addition, sensory conduction studies of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve will be performed.

Along with electrophysiological parameters such as motor unit potentials, recruitment patterns, distal latency, conduction velocity, and compound muscle action potential amplitudes, clinical outcomes including shoulder range of motion, pain scores, muscle strength, and functional shoulder scores will also be recorded.

The primary objective of the study is to compare preoperative and postoperative electrophysiological parameters of the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. Secondary analyses will evaluate the relationship between electrophysiological changes and clinical outcomes such as improvement in range of motion, reduction in pain, and recovery of muscle strength.

This study aims to provide objective electrophysiological data regarding the effects of arthroscopic capsular release on peripheral nerve function and contribute to the limited literature on neurophysiological outcomes following shoulder arthroscopy. Primary Outcome Measure

Change in electrophysiological parameters of axillary and musculocutaneous nerves

Electrophysiological evaluation using electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be performed preoperatively and at postoperative follow-up to assess changes in nerve conduction velocity, distal latency, CMAP amplitude, and motor unit potential characteristics.

Time Frame: Preoperative baseline and postoperative follow-up. Secondary Outcome Measures

Change in shoulder range of motion (ROM) Measured using standard goniometric evaluation before and after surgery.

Pain level (VAS score) Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale.

Muscle strength (MRC scale) Motor strength of the affected upper extremity will be evaluated.

Functional shoulder scores Functional outcome will be assessed using validated shoulder scoring systems such as the ASES score.

Eligibility Criteria Inclusion Criteria

Age between 21 and 70 years

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

Failure of conservative treatment

Scheduled for arthroscopic capsular release surgery

Exclusion Criteria

Known peripheral neuropathy

Previous brachial plexus injury

Previous neurovascular surgery of the ipsilateral shoulder

Coagulation disorders

Active infection

Pregnancy

Being tested
Arthroscopic 360° Capsular Release
Keywords
Adhesive Capsulitis, 360° Capsular Release, Shoulder Arthroscopy, Electromyography, Axillary Nerve, Musculocutaneous Nerve, Peripheral Nerve Function
Medical subject headings
Bursitis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Arthroscopic 360° Capsular ReleaseProcedure or surgery

    Arthroscopic circumferential capsular release performed for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. The procedure includes release of the anterior, posterior, and inferior capsule, with careful dissection around the inferior capsule and coracoid region.

Study groups in NCT07495306
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Frozen Shoulder Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic 360° Capsular ReleaseThis cohort includes patients aged 21-70 years diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) who do not respond to conservative treatment and are scheduled to undergo arthroscopic 360° capsular release. All participants will undergo standard arthroscopic capsular release surgery performed by experienced shoulder surgeons. Electrophysiological evaluation of axillary and musculocutaneous nerve function will be performed using electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) before surgery and during postoperative follow-up. Clinical outcomes including shoulder range of motion, pain level, muscle strength, and functional shoulder scores will also be recorded.
Receives: Procedure: Arthroscopic 360° Capsular Release

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in CMAP Amplitude of Axillary and Musculocutaneous Nerves

    Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude measured using nerve conduction studies (NCS).

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery

  2. Change in Distal Motor Latency

    Distal motor latency measured using nerve conduction studies (NCS).

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery

  3. Change in Nerve Conduction Velocity

    Motor nerve conduction velocity measured using nerve conduction studies (NCS).

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM)

    Active and passive shoulder range of motion measured using standard goniometric evaluation.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery

  2. Pain Level (VAS)

    Pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.

    Measured: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Mar 2026
  2. Study start26 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion26 Feb 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion14 Mar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
15 participants (estimated)
Target duration
12 Weeks
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07495306
Sponsor's protocol ID
ACU-ORT- 2026-03/34
Acronym
FROZEN-EMG
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
16 Mar 2026
Last updated
27 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Individual participant data (IPD) sharing has not yet been determined. Data sharing may be considered upon reasonable request after completion of the study and publication of the results, in accordance with institutional policies and applicable data protection regulations.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Adhesive Capsulitis and Frozen Shoulder, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Nezih Ziroglu, MD (+90 505 631 6484, nezih.ziroglu@yahoo.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in CMAP Amplitude of Axillary and Musculocutaneous Nerves (time frame: Preoperative baseline and 12 weeks after surgery). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Mar 2026.

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