title: Physical examination of the shoulder.
abstract: This article summarizes the overall assessment of the shoulder joint and seeks to help direct clinicians to diagnose shoulder pathology using standard and specific physical examinations. The history and standard examination can prompt the examiner to focus on specific tests to further evaluate the shoulder and limit the differential diagnoses. An appropriate and directed shoulder physical examination allows the clinician to focus on further diagnostic strategies and treatment options for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Electronic address: wrightw@ortho.ufl.edu.
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000294:innervation
keywords: Physical examination; shoulder