Long Term Follow Up After Manipulation For Frozen Shoulder : A Resolving Disease or Not?

Abstract

Primary frozen shoulder is thought to be a benign disease which runs a course consisting of shoulder pain, stiffness and then resolution. The time span for the complete evolution from pain to resolution is stated to be two years. We examined 66 shoulders in 58 patients two to five years after manipulation under anaesthesia. Subjectively the patients did very well with the pain being improved in 86%. However, although 86% had improvement in pain this did not mean they had no pain. In fact 53% had no pain, 33% had an occasional ache, and 14% had marked residual pain. Objectively the results showed residual stiffness in many patients. This residual stiffness was mild in the majority, but marked in some, and, if present, was worst in external rotation.