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The painful shoulder: Part I. Extrinsic disorders
J D Zuckerman1, S C Mirabello, D Newman
1Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York, New York.
American Family Physician
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Shoulder pain and limited function are common symptoms. Identifying the source, whether the shoulder joint, surrounding tissues, or referred pain from the neck, is key for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Shoulder disorders frequently present with pain and restricted function.
- Accurate diagnosis requires differentiating between intrinsic shoulder pathology and referred pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic approach for shoulder pain.
- To highlight common extrinsic causes of shoulder pain.
Main Methods:
- Clinical history taking.
- Physical examination of the shoulder and cervical spine.
- Assessment of postural alignment.
Main Results:
- Pain and limited function are the primary indicators of shoulder disorders.
- Extrinsic factors like postural issues and cervical spine problems can cause referred shoulder pain.
Conclusions:
- A thorough patient history and physical examination are crucial for accurate shoulder pain localization.
- Considering extrinsic sources, such as postural and cervical spine conditions, is essential for comprehensive shoulder pain evaluation.