18 patients with painful stiff shoulder joint were underwent shoulder distention arthrography as a treatmentmodality, followed by physical therapy. Range of motion of shoulder joint was evaluated at 1 weeks afterarthrography. The results were as follows: 1. Arthrographic findings were descreased volume of joint cavity,obliteration of axillary recess, small subscapularis bursa, serrated capsular margin and non-filling of bicepstendon sheath. In 3 cases, rotator cuff tear was found. 2. Range of motion of shoulder joint was improved afterdistention arthrography. 3. in 3 patients have rotator cuff tear, range of motion was not improved.