Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a disabling and sometimes severely painful condition that is commonly managed in the primary care setting. True frozen shoulder has a protracted natural history that usually ends in resolution. In this article we consider how to diagnose frozen shoulder and how to distinguish it from other painful shoulder conditions. We also look at the current aetiological theories and the effectiveness of conservative and operative management. We reviewed the current literature on this topic and discussed papers of historical interest with consultants in our department. We have also made reference to key papers cited in Clinical Evidence (www.clinicalevidence. com).