Shoulder Evaluation by Telephone and Video Visit: A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telemedicine use surged during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• Virtual evaluations present challenges for musculoskeletal assessments due to reliance on physical exams.
• The shoulder, a complex joint, poses unique difficulties for remote diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a framework for clinicians new to telemedicine.
• To guide remote evaluation of shoulder complaints.
• To offer instructions, questions, and interpretation examples for virtual consultations.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• The review synthesizes information on telemedicine for shoulder evaluations.
• It focuses on practical guidance for clinicians.

Main Results:

• A structured telemedicine approach can be successful for shoulder pathologies.
• The review outlines key questions and interpretation strategies for virtual shoulder assessments.
• It addresses the challenges of remote musculoskeletal examination.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine can be effectively utilized for evaluating shoulder conditions.
• A well-planned virtual visit can overcome diagnostic limitations.
• This guide assists clinicians in conducting successful remote shoulder consultations.