Shoulder Disorders

Question 1

define frozen shoulder

Answer 1

A glenohumeral disorder that occurs due to thickening and contraction of the glenohumeral joint capsule which, in turn, causes adhesion formation that triggers pain and reduces shoulder movement

Question 2

risk factors of frozen shoulder

Answer 2

older age (>40yrs)
diabetes
PMH of frozen shoulder

Question 3

clinical features of frozen shoulder

Answer 3

gradual onset pain and stiffness of the shoulder
reduced ROM (mostly at external rotation)
inability to sleep on affected side

Question 4

examination findings in frozen shoulder

Answer 4

tenderness of the shoulder joint
pain on external rotation
normal shoulder XR

Question 5

management of frozen shoulder

Answer 5

analgesia (NSAIDs)
physiotherapy + exercises
local intraarticular steroid injection

Question 6

define rotator cuff tears

Answer 6

an injury to the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles, resulting in either partial or full tearing

Question 7

clinical features of a rotator cuff tear

Answer 7

insidious pain within the deltoid region
reduced ROM
pain worse at night and on overhead activity
joint weakness

Question 8

investigations of rotator cuff tear

Answer 8

MRI of joint/region

US of joint/region

Question 9

conservative management of rotator cuff tear

Answer 9

rest and reduced activity
NSAIDs
physical therapy
subacromial corticosteroid injection

Question 10

surgical management of rotator cuff tear

Answer 10

arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Question 11

indications of surgical management in rotator cuff repairs

Answer 11

full thickness tear

acute traumatic injury

Question 12

define shoulder dislocation

Answer 12

occurs when the head of the humerus becomes partially or completely displaced from the glenoid of the scapula

Question 13

describe an anterior shoulder dislocation

Answer 13

head of humerus moves anteriorly forwards in relation to glenoid cavity
associated with trauma (e.g. falling on outsretched hand)

Question 14

describe posterior shoulder dislocation

Answer 14

force occurs when shoulder held in internal rotation and abduction
associated with epileptic fit + electrocution

Question 15

what type of dislocation is associated with a ‘light bulb’ sign

Answer 15

posterior shoulder dislocation

Question 16

clinical features of a shoulder dislocation

Answer 16

history of trauma
complete inability to move the shoulder/arm
flattened appearance of deltoid
bulging of the humerus

Question 17

what is it important to do whilst assessing a patient with suspected shoulder dislocation?

Answer 17

assess for fractures, vascular damage and nerve damage

Question 18

investigations of shoulder dislocations

Answer 18

XR

Question 19

acute management of shoulder dislocations

Answer 19

closed reduction under anaesthesia and place arm in broad arm sling