What should a complete shoulder examination include?
A thorough examination of shoulder symptoms should include the cervical spine, contralateral shoulder, elbow, trunk, and upper-limb neurovascular structures. We limit our focus to the shoulder girdle, which includes the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular (AC), glenohumeral, and scapulothoracic (ST) joints.
What is an orthopedic examination?
An orthopedic evaluation is an exam that gives your surgeon the information they need to recommend the best pain-relieving procedures for you. Orthopedic surgeons perform thorough orthopedic evaluations when determining the most appropriate form of treatment for your musculoskeletal condition or injury.
What are red flags for shoulder pain?
Look for the following red flags that indicate the need for urgent investigations and/or referral to secondary care: acute presentation with a history of trauma (especially if pain restricts all passive and active movements); systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or new respiratory symptoms; …
What are the three diagnostic tests of an orthopedic evaluation?
Common orthopaedic tests include bone densitometry, skeletal scintigraphy, discography, myelography and electromyography. Most of these tests rely on proven technology, such as X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography.
What is the most common diagnosis for shoulder pain?
The four most common causes of shoulder pain and disability in primary care are rotator cuff disorders, glenohumeral disorders, acromioclavicular joint disease, and referred neck pain (box 2).
Why is my shoulder pain worse at night?
Tearing and injury to the rotator cuff become more likely as tendons in the shoulder naturally wear down over time. Due to gravity, laying down can cause the rotator cuff to stretch and pull, leading to significantly worsened pain at night.
What questions should I ask my orthopedic doctor?
8 Questions to Ask During Your First Orthopaedic Appointment
- What do you need to know about my medical history?
- What does this pain mean?
- How can I prevent other orthopaedic issues?
- What foods, drinks, or activities should I avoid for my treatment?
- What are the risks and benefits of this treatment plan?
What is the range of motion of the shoulder joint?
Normal range of active movement of the shoulder has been specified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) to be 180° for flexion and abduction and 90° for external rotation [6].