Key facts
- Score direction
- Higher is better
- Meaningful change
- A change of approximately 5 to 7 points in the Oxford Shoulder Score is commonly reported as the minimal important change (MIC), with estimates around 6 points after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and similar ranges in other shoulder populations. Exact thresholds vary by procedure and timeframe.
- Scoring
- Each of the 12 items is scored from 0 (worst) to 4 (best) using the revised 2009 scoring system. The total score is the sum of all items (0 to 48); higher scores indicate better shoulder status. Optional pain (items 1, 8…
- Time to complete
- 5 min
- Licensing
- Licensed instrument - check copyright terms before clinical use
About the Oxford Shoulder Score
The Oxford Shoulder Score is a validated patient-reported outcome measure developed at the University of Oxford to assess shoulder pain and function following shoulder surgery other than stabilisation. This 12-item questionnaire focuses on activities of daily living over the past four weeks and is widely used in clinical practice and research to monitor recovery.
Medical Specialties
Anatomic Areas
Clinical Indications
Developer Information
Developed by Dr Jill Dawson and Professor Ray Fitzpatrick in the Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, in association with Professor Andrew Carr at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oxford.
Copyright & Licensing
© Oxford University Innovation Limited, 1998. All rights reserved.
Scoring Methodology
Each of the 12 items is scored from 0 (worst) to 4 (best) using the revised 2009 scoring system. The total score is the sum of all items (0 to 48); higher scores indicate better shoulder status. Optional pain (items 1, 8, 11, 12; max 16) and function (items 2-7, 9, 10; max 32) subscale sums can also be reported. Convert from the original 12-60 system with: new = 60 - old.
Meaningful Change Threshold
A change of approximately 5 to 7 points in the Oxford Shoulder Score is commonly reported as the minimal important change (MIC), with estimates around 6 points after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and similar ranges in other shoulder populations. Exact thresholds vary by procedure and timeframe.
Score Interpretation
Understanding what your score means
severe
0 - 19Severe shoulder problems with significant impact on daily activities and quality of life
moderate
20 - 29Moderate to severe shoulder problems affecting function and causing considerable pain
mild
30 - 39Mild to moderate shoulder problems with some limitations in activities
satisfactory
40 - 48Satisfactory shoulder function with minimal problems and good quality of life
Subscales
This questionnaire measures multiple dimensions
Pain
Measures the severity and impact of shoulder pain on daily life
Function
Measures physical function and ability to perform daily activities
Clinical Limitations & Considerations
The Oxford Shoulder Score is designed for shoulder operations other than stabilisation; instability surgery is better assessed with a dedicated instability measure. It may not capture every aspect of shoulder function. Cultural and linguistic adaptations may be needed for non-English speaking populations. It should form part of a broader clinical assessment rather than a standalone diagnostic tool.
Supporting Literature
Key validation and development studies for the Oxford Shoulder Score
- 1
Questionnaire on the perceptions of patients about shoulder surgery
Dawson J, Fitzpatrick R, Carr A
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 1996
- 2
The Oxford shoulder score revisited
Dawson J, Rogers K, Fitzpatrick R, Carr A
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2009
Used in Literature
Studies and publications that have used the Oxford Shoulder Score
- 1
Questionnaire on the perceptions of patients about shoulder surgery
Dawson J, Fitzpatrick R, Carr A
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 1996
Frequently asked questions
What does a mild Oxford Shoulder Score score mean?
A Oxford Shoulder Score score of 30 to 39 is classified as mild. Mild to moderate shoulder problems with some limitations in activities
What does a severe Oxford Shoulder Score score mean?
A Oxford Shoulder Score score of 0 to 19 is classified as severe. Severe shoulder problems with significant impact on daily activities and quality of life
What does a moderate Oxford Shoulder Score score mean?
A Oxford Shoulder Score score of 20 to 29 is classified as moderate. Moderate to severe shoulder problems affecting function and causing considerable pain
What does a satisfactory Oxford Shoulder Score score mean?
A Oxford Shoulder Score score of 40 to 48 is classified as satisfactory. Satisfactory shoulder function with minimal problems and good quality of life
Related Outcome Measures
Other clinical questionnaires for similar specialties and conditions
QuickDASH
An 11-item questionnaire evaluating physical function and symptoms in upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. Streamlined version of the DASH questionnaire.
Oxford Knee Score
Oxford Knee Score - a 12-item patient-reported outcome measure for assessing function and pain after total knee replacement surgery
Oxford Hip Score
A concise questionnaire evaluating hip-related pain and functional ability in patients undergoing total hip replacement.
This questionnaire is provided free of charge. Patient Watch charges only for platform services (data storage, automated reminders, analytics) - not for use of clinical instruments. This non-commercial model supports academic and clinical use.View full licensing disclosure