1. Examination of Upper Joints Flashcards
What is the anatomical name of the Shoulder Joint?
The Gleno-humeral joint
Are we confined to the G-H joint or are there more joints?
No. It is a complex of 4 joints, namely the :-
- Acromio-clavicular Joint
- Sterno-clavicular Joint
- Gleno-Humeral Joint
- Scapulo-thoracic Joint
Why are these 4 joints important?
Because they facilitate the movement of the Shoulder
What the organs involved when there’s referred pain around the Shoulder?
REFERRED PAIN
- Neck
- Lungs
- Diaphragm
- Heart
- Upper back
What are the common symptoms seen around the Shoulder joint?
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER JOINT
- Pain
- Swelling
- Deformity
- Stiffness
- Impingement*
- Aphrension*
What is the procedure for examination of the Shoulder Joint?
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Movement
- Measurement
- Neurological Examination
- Special Tests
What is important in Inspection?
- Attitude of the Limb & Shoulder
- Shape of the Shoulder
- Swelling
- Deformity
- Skin
- Muscle wasting
- Limb length discrepancy
Carried out on all angles (front, back, sides & axilla)*
What is the first thing you should ask the patient do before conducting the examination?
Ask the patient for consent and if given, ask patient to place the limb in it’s anatomical position.
How would you examine the front of the Shoulder?
SHOULDER FRONT EXAMINATION
- Inspect the shape of the Shoulder
- Inspect for deformities / abnormalities on the Clavicle and it’s surroundings
- Inspect Supraclavicular / Infraclavicular area for abnormalities
- Inspect for wasting of Pectoralis major
- Inspect the ‘Anterior Axillary Fold’ for swelling and compare the level of axilla on both sides
- Inspect for any swellings, deformities, skin changes, scars, sinuses, infection, engorged veins and muscle wasting
- Inspect for Limb Length Discrepancy
What are the commonly seen abnormal skin changes in examination?
- Ecchymosis
- Bruising
What does presence of engorged veins on examination indicate?
Presence of a tumour
What does presence of a scar on examination indicate and what course of action would you take upon this discovery?
It could be due to surgery. Ask patient if it’s due to surgery or natural healing.
I’d inspect if it is a primary or secondary scar.
How would you examine the side of the Shoulder?
SHOULDER SIDE EXAMINATION
- Inspect the shape of the shoulder (N = circular contour)
- Inspect for swellings
- Inspect for deformities
- Inspect the prominence of the Acromion process
- Inspect for skin changes
- Inspect for wasting of Deltoid muscle
- Inspect for sinuses, infections and engorged veins
How would you examine the back of the Shoulder?
SHOULDER BACK EXAMINATION
- Inspect the Scapula and Upper back for swellings, scars, sinuses and deformities
- Inspect the spine of the Scapula for any deformities.
- Inspect for wasting of the Suprascapular and Infrascapular muscle
- Inspect the Superior and Inferior angle of the Scapula and compare it with the opposite side
- Inspect the Medial border of the Scapula for Winging of the Scapula
- Inspect the level of posterior axillary fold and compare it with the opposite side
- Inspect for skin changes such as Ecchymosis and bruises
If the level of the Posterior Axillary Fold is lower on one side, what does it indicate?
It indicates the presence of swelling on the lower side