Diagnosis of the Frozen Shoulder

Criteria for Diagnosis

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 26 2005

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of a frozen shoulder are:

A. History

  1. Functionally significant restriction of shoulder motion
  2. Absence of history of previous major shoulder injury or surgery

B. Physical examination

  1. Limited glenohumeral motion in all directions

C. Radiographs

  1. No changes in cartilaginous joint space
  2. Absence of pathological changes other than osteopenia