title: Problems With Large Joints: Shoulder Conditions.
abstract: The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It requires an extensive support system to create mobility while providing stability. Although there are many etiologies of shoulder pain, weakness, and instability, most injuries in the shoulder are due to overuse. Rotator cuff tears, labral tears, calcific tendinopathy, and impingement often result from chronic overuse injuries. Acute injuries include dislocations that can cause labral tears or other complications. Frozen shoulder refers to a typically benign condition of restricted range of motion that may spontaneously resolve but can cause prolonged pain and discomfort. The history combined with specific shoulder examination techniques can help family physicians successfully diagnose shoulder conditions. X-ray imaging typically is sufficient to rule out more serious etiologies when evaluating patients with shoulder conditions. However, imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study or ultrasonography for rotator cuff tears, and MRI study with intra-articular contrast for labral tears, is needed to confirm these diagnoses. Corticosteroid injections and physical therapy are first-line treatments for most shoulder conditions. Surgical options typically are reserved for patients for whom conservative treatments are ineffective, and typically are performed arthroscopically.
authors.affiliation: Via Christi Sports Medicine, 707 N Emporia Ave, Wichita, KS 67214.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002062:Bursitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011859:Radiography; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D000070656:Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones