Shoulder Examination

Question 1

BUMPS
What joint is most mobile and commonly dislocates?

Answer 1

The glenohumeral joint; anterior dislocations are most common (95%).

Question 2

BUMPS
What is a common cause of anterior shoulder dislocations?

Answer 2

FOOSH (fall on an outstretched hand) with extreme external rotation.

Question 3

BUMPS
What deformities may be noticed in anterior shoulder dislocations?

Answer 3

Prominent acromion
Shoulder appears squared off

Question 4

FRACTURE
Which bone is most commonly fractured in the shoulder area?

Answer 4

The clavicle

Question 5

FRACTURES
What are the three most commonly fractured bones in the shoulder region?

Answer 5

Scapula, humerus, and clavicle.

Question 6

Pancoast Tumor (Red Flag)
Where is a Pancoast tumor located?

Answer 6

At the apex of the lung, near the coracoid process of the scapula.

Question 7

PANCOAST TUMOUR
What symptoms may suggest a Pancoast tumour?

Answer 7

Severe, persistent pain in the shoulder/upper chest
Pulsating mass (from compressed blood vessels or tissues)

Question 8

PANCOAST TUMOUR
Why is immediate referral necessary if a Pancoast tumor is suspected?

Answer 8

It is a serious and life-threatening condition.

Question 9

MUSCLE WASTING
Which rotator cuff muscles show visible hollowing in injury or weakness?

Answer 9

Infraspinatus and supraspinatus.

Question 10

MUSCLE WASTING
What are the functions of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus?

Answer 10

Supraspinatus: Shoulder abduction
Infraspinatus: External shoulder rotation

Question 11

MUSCLE WASTING
What nerve damage can result from shoulder dislocations?

Answer 11

Axillary nerve damage, leading to atrophy/weakness in the deltoid and teres minor muscles.

Question 12

MUSCLE WASTING
What can cervical radiculopathy (especially at C5) cause?

Answer 12

Weakness and wasting in muscles like the deltoid.

Question 13

SWELLING/REDNESS
What condition causes swelling in the subacromial bursa?

Answer 13

Bursitis.

Question 14

SWELLING/REDNESS
Who is more prone to septic arthritis in the shoulder?

Answer 14

Older adults with weakened immune systems.

Question 15

SCARS
What might shoulder scars indicate?

Answer 15

Previous fracture repair or rotator cuff surgery.

Question 16

ALIGNMENT
What might uneven shoulder height indicate?

Answer 16

Muscle imbalance, scoliosis, or nerve injury (e.g., spinal accessory nerve palsy).

Question 17

ALIGNMENT
What does winged scapula indicate?

Answer 17

Weakness in the serratus anterior muscle due to long thoracic nerve damage.

Question 18

ALIGNMENT
What might clavicle deformities suggest?

Answer 18

Previous fractures or joint dislocations at the SC or AC joint.

Question 19

Rounded Shoulders (Kyphotic Posture)
What does rounded shoulder posture indicate?

Answer 19

Tight anterior muscles (e.g., pectorals)
Weak posterior muscles (e.g., rhomboids)