Shoulder and elbow Flashcards
Frozen shoulder is also known as…
Adhesive capsulitis
Which findings may be present on examination in a patient with frozen shoulder?
Limited active and passive movement + external rotation most affected
What are the typical ‘phases’ of frozen shoulder?
- Painful phase
- Stiff phase
- Thawing phase (resolution)
Give two differentials, other than frozen shoulder, for shoulder pain NOT preceded by injury/trauma
- Supraspinatus tendinopathy
- Arthritis (e.g. acromioclavicular, glenohumeral)
Give three differentials for shoulder pain preceded by injury/trauma
- Rotator cuff tear
- Dislocation
- Fracture
Which special test can be used to screen for supraspinatus tendinopathy?
Empty can test (AKA Jobe test)
Which special test can be used to screen for acromioclavicular joint arthritis?
Scarf test
Describe the management of frozen shoulder
Conservative:
- Physio
Medical:
- Analgesia, e.g. NSAIDs
- Intra-articular steroid injections
Surgical:
- Arthroscopy
What is meant by rotator cuff tear?
Injury to the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles
What are the four rotator cuff muscles?
What do they do?
SITS:
- Supraspinatus (abducts arm)
- Infraspinatus (externally rotates arm)
- Teres minor (externally rotates arm)
- Subscapularis (internally rotates arm)
More than 90% of shoulder dislocations are…
a) anterior?
b) posterior?
Anterior dislocations
Posterior dislocations are associated with…
Electric shocks
Seziures
What is meant by subluxation?
Partial dislocation
Give one key complication of shoulder dislocation
What symptoms/signs does this cause?
Axillary nerve damage:
- Loss of sensation over lateral deltoid (“regimental badge area”)
- Weakness of deltoid
What is olecranon bursitis?
Inflammation and swelling of the bursa over the elbow
