Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
06:09
Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
3.7K
Functional Outcomes After Imaging- and Orthopedic Test-Guided Evaluation of Shoulder Disorders: Systematic Review and
Carlos Miquel García-de-Pereda-Notario1,2, Luis Palomeque-Del-Cerro3,4, Ricardo García-Mata5
1Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Methods and Protocols
|November 24, 2025
Summary
Musculoskeletal imaging and orthopedic physical examination tests both improve shoulder soft tissue disorder outcomes. Imaging showed a larger effect, but tests offer valuable screening and monitoring insights, supporting their combined use for better diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Shoulder soft tissue disorders, like rotator cuff tears, are common causes of disability.
- Physical examination and imaging are standard diagnostic tools, but their combined impact is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical effectiveness of musculoskeletal imaging versus orthopedic physical examination tests for shoulder soft tissue disorders.
- To evaluate the complementarity of these diagnostic methods.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies.
- Analyzed studies using imaging (ultrasound/MRI) and orthopedic tests (Neer, Hawkins, Jobe).
- Synthesized functional outcomes using standardized mean differences (SMDs) via a random-effects model.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies were included (6 imaging, 5 orthopedic tests).
- Imaging studies showed a substantial clinical improvement (SMD = 4.85).
- Orthopedic test studies also indicated clinical improvement (SMD = 2.34), with high heterogeneity in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Musculoskeletal imaging demonstrated a larger overall clinical effect on patient outcomes.
- Orthopedic tests provide valuable functional insights for screening and monitoring.
- Combining imaging and physical tests enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for shoulder conditions.
