Table 1: Major differential factors commonly present in rotator cuff disorder, adhesive capsulitis, and traumatic injury.
Shoulder Disorder | Patient History | Physical Examination | Specialized Tests |
Rotator Cuff Disorder | 35 years or older Repetitive or static postures in work environment Overhead work Night pain |
Atrophy Deformity Swelling Redness Tenderness |
Recommended tests for suspected general rotator cuff disorder: -Painful arc test -Internal and external rotation lag test -Drop arm test -Empty can test or external rotation resistance test |
Weakness or pain in: -Adduction/abduction -Flexion/extension -Internal/external rotation |
Suspected full rotator cuff tear: -Drop arm test -Painful arc test -Infraspinatus test |
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Suspected impingement: -Hawkins-Kennedy test -Painful arc test -Infraspinatus test |
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Adhesive Capulitis | 40-60 years of age Idiopathic onset May be diabetic |
Limited global active and passive ROM | Specialized tests not recommended
X-ray recommended to exclude osteoarthritis |
Traumatic Injury | High impact on or around shoulder | Check for red flags Deformity Swelling Atrophy Tenderness |
Specialized tests may be used to check asymptomatic injuries
Further investigations recommended |