PURPOSE: The present study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of 
adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in breast cancer patients between 13 and 
18 months after surgery.
METHODS: This study included 271 women who underwent surgery for breast cancer 
with a postoperative period of 13-18 months. Current adhesive capsulitis was 
defined as restriction of external rotation and one or more additional 
directional restrictions with history of shoulder pain. Cumulative adhesive 
capsulitis was defined as current adhesive capsulitis or a previous history of 
adhesive capsulitis after breast cancer surgery. Multivariate logistic 
regression analysis was performed to examine associations between current or 
cumulative adhesive capsulitis and potential risk factors.
RESULTS: Among the 271 study patients, 28 (10.3%) and 21 (7.7%) had cumulative 
or current adhesive capsulitis, respectively. The incidences of cumulative and 
current adhesive capsulitis were higher in those aged 50-59 years (odds ratio 
[OR], 9.912; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.790-54.880; and OR, 12.395; 95% CI, 
1.187-129.444, respectively) and those who underwent mastectomy (OR, 6.805; 95% 
CI, 1.800-25.733; and OR, 9.645; 95% CI, 2.075-44.829, respectively) or 
mastectomy with reconstruction (OR, 13.122; 95% CI, 2.488-69.218; and OR, 
20.075; 95% CI, 2.873-140.261, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is a common problem after 
breast cancer treatment. An age of 50-59 years and mastectomy are major risk 
factors for adhesive capsulitis, and breast reconstruction additionally 
increases the risk. Patients with these risk factors require greater attention 
for early diagnosis and proper treatment.