The painful shoulder: part I. Clinical evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Primary Care Medicine
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Shoulder pain is a prevalent condition encountered in primary care settings.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of shoulder pathologies.
• Family physicians require updated knowledge on diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide family physicians with a comprehensive overview of diagnostic and treatment strategies for common shoulder pain causes.
• To outline key elements of history taking and physical examination for shoulder pain evaluation.
• To describe specific maneuvers for accurate shoulder pain diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of key elements in patient history for shoulder pain.
• Description of essential physical examination components including inspection, palpation, range of motion, and provocative testing.
• Emphasis on a thorough sensorimotor examination of the upper extremity, including neck and elbow evaluation.

Main Results:

• A systematic approach to shoulder pain diagnosis involves detailed history and targeted physical examination.
• Specific examination maneuvers aid in identifying common causes of shoulder pain.
• Comprehensive evaluation extending to the neck and elbow is necessary for complete assessment.

Conclusions:

• Family physicians can improve diagnostic accuracy for shoulder pain through systematic history and physical examination.
• Understanding and applying specific examination techniques are vital for effective shoulder pain management.
• A holistic approach, including evaluation of adjacent structures, enhances diagnostic capabilities for shoulder conditions.