Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder in Older Adults from Germany

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for adhesive capsulitis in older adults from Germany. The one-year and lifetime prevalence of adhesive capsulitis were assessed in adults aged ≥65 years with at least one visit to one of 1207 general practices in Germany in 2021. Associations between physical and psychiatric conditions and adhesive capsulitis were further assessed in older patients diagnosed for the first time with adhesive capsulitis in general practices in 2010–2021 (index date) and matched (1:5) to patients without adhesive capsulitis using a propensity score based on age, sex, and the index year. In adults without adhesive capsulitis, the index date was a randomly selected visit date in 2010–2021. The one-year and lifetime prevalence of adhesive capsulitis in older adults in 2021 were 0.4% and 2.4%, respectively. In 8439 patients with and 42,195 patients without adhesive capsulitis, 12 conditions were positively and significantly associated with adhesive capsulitis. Effect sizes were strongest for other and unspecified osteoarthritis (OR = 1.93), injury to the shoulder and upper arm (OR = 1.85), and injury to the thorax (OR = 1.47). Based on these findings, adhesive capsulitis can occur at older age, and osteoarthritis and injuries are major risk factors.