Abstract
Background
Frozen shoulder is a chronic fibrosing condition affecting the capsule of the joint. The predominant cells involved are fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that lay down a dense matrix of type I and type III collagen within the capsule. This subsequently contracts leading to the typical features of pain and stiffness. The histology is very similar to Dupuytren's contracture [1]–[5]. Chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Trisomy 7 and 8, have been found in Dupuytren's disease.
Methods
The aim of this study was to see if there are chromosomal changes in frozen shoulder. The anterosuperior shoulder joint capsule was excised in 16 patients with resistant primary frozen shoulder according to the method of Ozaki et al. [4]. The tissue was examined for chromosomal abnormalities using standard cytogenetic methods.
Results
Ten of the 16 showed chromosomal abnormalities, of which 7 had clonal chromosomal abnormalities; 4 had trisomy 7, 2 had trisomy 8, and 1 both trisomy 7 and 8.
Conclusion
This is approximately the same percentage and numerical type of change to the same chromosomes as previously reported in Dupuytren's disease.
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