Clinical and diagnostic tests for shoulder disorders: a critical review.
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body and, as such, presents an evaluation and diagnostic challenge. The first steps in its evaluation are obtaining an accurate history and physical examination and evaluating conventional radiography. The use of other imaging modalities (eg, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography) should be based on the type of additional information needed. The goals of this study were to review the current limitations of evidence-based medicine with regard to shoulder examination and to assess the rationale for and against the use of diagnostic physical examination tests.
McFarland
Edward G
EG
Division of Shoulder Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. ehenze1@jhmi.edu
Garzon-Muvdi
Juan
J
Jia
Xiaofeng
X
Desai
Pingal
P
Petersen
Steve A
SA
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries; D012782:Shoulder; D012785:Shoulder Joint