ortho-trauma rheumatology

Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS)

12-item patient-reported outcome for shoulder pathology (Dawson 1996). Each 0–4. Total 0–48 (higher = better).

Q1. Worst pain past 4 weeks*

Q2. Pain when dressing*

Q3. Pain getting in/out of car*

Q4. Using knife and fork*

Q5. Hanging clothes in wardrobe*

Q6. Washing/drying both armpits*

Q7. Combing hair*

Q8. Pain interfering with sleep*

Q9. Pain interfering with usual work*

Q10. Tingling or pain down arm*

Q11. Pain whilst doing usual housework*

Q12. Carrying object e.g. shopping*

Score interpretation

Severe shoulder dysfunction 0–19

→ Consider arthroscopy / arthroplasty / cuff repair per imaging findings. Orthopaedic referral; MRI if not done.

Moderate-to-severe 20–29

→ Structured physiotherapy + US-guided subacromial steroid. Imaging if persistent >3 months.

Mild-to-moderate 30–39

→ Physiotherapy, eccentric strengthening, NSAIDs, activity modification.

Satisfactory 40–48

→ Maintain activity; reassess if change.

Interpretation bands for the Oxford Shoulder. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.