Capsular disruption as a complication of thermal alteration of the glenohumeral capsule

Thermal energy, delivered through various means, has been used to alter the length of collagen in the unstable shoulder. Laboratory studies have shown that the collagen, following thermal alteration, has reduced strength. We present a case of radiofrequency capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder for symptomatic posterior instability in a multidirectionally lax patient that led to early catastrophic failure of the capsule, with complete capsular disruption and hyaline degeneration of the treated tissue.