diagnostic criteria for frozen shoulder

Last reviewed 04/2022

diagnostic criteria for frozen shoulder

Diagnosis of the condition is clinical.

• pain occurring insidiously in deltoid region with increasing shoulder stiffness
  
  
• pain at the end of external rotation, and restriction of this movement on both active and passive testing
  
  
• no obvious crepitus on movement

Use of x-ray is not required for diagnosis. If x-ray is obtained, it should demonstrate a normal glenohumeral joint.

Reference:

• (1) Rangan A, Hanchard N, McDaid C. What is the most effective treatment for frozen shoulder? BMJ. 2016;354:i4162