Is frozen shoulder completely resolved at 2 years after the onset of disease

Abstract Background Although numerous studies have suggested that frozen shoulder (FS) is a self-limiting disease with most patients recovering within 2 years, its long-term outcome is still controversial. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes after conservative treatment for FS and to determine the predictors of its clinical outcome. Methods This study included 234 shoulders of 215 patients who received conservative treatment for FS. The mean follow-up period was 41.8 months (range 27–117 months). Initial evaluation included demographics, detailed medical history, and clinical assessments of shoulder status. Questionnaires, which included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and satisfaction grading for the current shoulder status were assessed at the final follow-up. Results The mean VAS pain score, ASES score, and SSV significantly improved from 6.7, 37.0, and 40.1% at the time of initial evaluation to 1.5, 87.6, and 85.0% at the final follow-up evaluation (all p p  = 0.002) was an independent risk factor for unsuccessful outcome. Conclusions At the mean follow-up period of 41.8 months, 72.3% of patients revealed subjective satisfaction for the current shoulder status. Duration of symptoms was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis.