Which medical condition significantly increases the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis after a labral repair?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Osteoarthritis
• D. Hypothyroidism

Answer: (B)

Diabetes mellitus is known to significantly increase the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, especially following a procedure like a labral repair. In individuals with diabetes, particularly those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, there is a higher likelihood of experiencing alterations in joint mobility and soft tissue health.

The pathophysiology of adhesive capsulitis is not entirely understood, but it is thought to involve inflammatory processes that lead to the thickening of the shoulder capsule, resulting in pain and restricted motion. In diabetics, there are changes at the cellular level that can impair the healing process and increase the likelihood of adhesive capsulitis after surgical interventions.

This association is prominent enough that clinicians often monitor diabetic patients more closely for signs of adhesive capsulitis postoperatively. In contrast, conditions like hypertension, osteoarthritis, and hypothyroidism do not have the same strong correlation with adhesive capsulitis development after surgical repair, making diabetes mellitus the most significant risk factor in this context.