Introduction: Adhesive capsulitis is clinically characterized by the gradual progressive painful loss of active and passive motion caused by the formation of adhesions of the joint capsule. Adhesive Capsulitis of the Hip (ACH) is not a well-explored clinical condition when compared to adhesive capsulitis of shoulder because of the underdiagnosis and rarity of this condition.
Materials and methods: Cochrane, Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for original studies on ACH till December 2021 following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Year of publication, authors, number of cases, baseline characteristics of the studies, causes described, presentation, associated conditions, method of diagnosis, treatment to be given, functional outcomes, and complications was extracted from each study.
Results: 16 articles were included in this review. 3 of the included studies were retrospective case-control studies, 6 were case series and the remaining 7 were case reports. A total of 224 ACH cases were recorded. Pain and stiffness of the hips were the most common clinical features. Investigations like serology, radiograph, and MRI have been used to rule out other conditions. Arthrography has been used to confirm the diagnosis in 7 studies. Spontaneous recovery is expected in one to two years. Management has been in the form of physiotherapy, intra-articular injection, and arthroscopy.
Conclusion: Literature on ACH is limited because of the rarity of the condition. The disease has a favorable prognosis with the possibility of spontaneous recovery. Physiotherapy has been the first line of management. Intractable cases require surgical intervention.
Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00808-z.
Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis; Hip; Physical therapy; Stiff hip.
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