Summary of an evidence-based guideline on soft tissue shoulder injuries and related disorders--Part 1: Assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a succinct summary of the diagnosis of soft tissue injuries to the shoulder for primary health care practitioners based on the New Zealand guideline.


METHODS
A multidisciplinary team developed the guideline by critically appraising and grading retrieved literature using the Graphic Appraisal Tool for Epidemiology (GATE). Recommendations were derived from resulting evidence tables.


RESULTS
Diagnostic ultrasound is a valid tool for the diagnosis of a full thickness rotator cuff tear. If a significant tear is suspected, referral for diagnostic ultrasound is recommended. There is a paucity of evidence for the diagnosis of soft tissue shoulder injuries and most recommendations are based on the consensus of the guideline team.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment relies on thorough history-taking and physician examination with appropriate referral where there is evidence of serious damage or the diagnosis remains unclear.
Robb
Gillian
G
Section of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. g.robb@auckland.ac.nz
Arroll
Bruce
B
Reid
Duncan
D
Goodyear-Smith
Felicity
F
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries; D014463:Ultrasonography