Community survey of shoulder disorders in the elderly to assess the natural history and effects of treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the natural history and response to treatment of shoulder disorders in a community elderly population.


METHODS
This community study of shoulder pain in the elderly reviewed patients three years after an earlier prevalence study.


RESULTS
One hundred and eight of the original 136 patients with an identifiable shoulder disorder were available for reexamination. Eighty (74%) had persisting signs on examination, with persistent symptoms leading to impairment of personal care (21%) and household tasks (27%), and pain on movement (34%). There was no difference between treated and non-treated groups in terms of outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study serve to confirm and highlight the chronicity of shoulder lesions in this age group and the consequent personal suffering and implications for health care.
Vecchio
P C
PC
Rheumatology Research Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Kavanagh
R T
RT
Hazleman
B L
BL
King
R H
RH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D059408:Pain Management; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D016896:Treatment Outcome