Shoulder examination

Abstract

Shoulder disease ranks among the most common musculoskeletal disorders, being the third cause of musculoskeletal disease (16 %), after the back (23 %) and knee (19 %). They represent one of the main reasons for orthopedic consult. Modern imaging studies help the specialists in the diagnosis, but an accurate history and physical examination should be the first step to determine which pathology is primarily responsible for the patient’s complaints. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Its evaluation is a challenge because different joints participate to the motion and direct observation of those simultaneous movements is obscured by muscles.