Lack of uniformity in diagnostic labeling of shoulder pain: Time for a different approach

The effects of end-range interventions in the management of primary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of end-range manual therapy versus other conservative intervention on pain intensity, shoulder range of movement (ROM), and physical function in adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

Two reviewers conducted a comprehensive search from inception to December 2022. PUBMED, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro databases were searched. Clinical trials investigating the effects of end-range mobilisation techniques on pain, ROM, and physical function in patients with AC were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Data were presented using forest plots, and the random effects models were applied according to the Cochrane handbook.

RESULTS

Ten randomised controlled trials were reviewed, involving 424 AC patients aged 20-70 years. Methodological quality of studies ranged from high to low. The end-range mobilisation showed improvements in pain intensity, shoulder abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation, and physical function compared to other conservative interventions in the short-and medium-terms. Certainty of the evidence was downgraded to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Very low certainty evidence suggests that end-range mobilisation techniques improve pain intensity, shoulder ROM, and physical function in the short-and medium-term in AC.

A Pilot Study for Effectiveness and Safety of Adjunctive Pharmacopuncture to Acupuncture Treatment for Rotator Cuff Diseases: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

Pharmacopuncture therapy has been used in the conservative treatment of rotator cuff disease adjuvant to acupuncture treatment. Despite the increasing utilization of pharmacopuncture therapy, there is still a lack of high-quality research to support its effectiveness. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of pharmacopuncture therapy adjuvant to acupuncture treatment for rotator cuff disease.

Patients and Methods

This was a parallel-grouped, pragmatic randomized controlled, pilot study. Forty patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental or the control group. All patients received acupuncture treatment for four weeks, and pharmacopuncture was additionally administered to the experimental group. After eight treatments were delivered over four weeks, follow-up assessments were performed. The primary outcome was the mean change in the visual analog scale (VAS) score for shoulder pain from baseline to visit 8. Secondary outcomes included shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) at visits 4, 8, and 9, shoulder range of motion (ROM) at visits 4, 8, and 9, EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) at visits 8 and 9, patient global impression of change (PGIC) at visits 8 and 9, and mean rescue medication consumption at visits 8 and 9.

Results

Both groups showed that each treatment effectively improved rotator cuff disease in most assessments. Particularly, the group that received acupuncture plus pharmacopuncture required fewer rescue medications than the group that received acupuncture alone. However, there was little statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no serious adverse events experienced by patients in this study.

Conclusion

Although there was little statistical difference between the two groups, the combination of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture for rotator cuff disease was associated with a reduction in the rescue medicine dosage compared with acupuncture alone. Also, it confirmed the safety of pharmacopuncture therapy. This pilot study would help design future research on the effectiveness of pharmacopuncture in rotator cuff disease.

Where do archers hurt? Epidemiology of injuries during archery practice

BACKGROUND

The risk of injury in archery is supposedly low. However, relations between pain, shooting phases and types of bow have not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the biomechanical mechanisms of archery-related injuries.

METHODS

Online survey for archers from all types of bow. Variables were analyzed using contingency tables and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

396 surveys were completed. 36.9% of the archers had practiced archery for more than 10 years, 23.3% between 5 and 10 years. Olympic recurve bow was the most commonly used (38.2%), followed by traditional (23.3%) and compound (22.0%). 57.3% of the archers suffered some kind of injury during archery practice. Drawing shoulder (28.2%) and neck/back injuries (19.9%) were the most prevalent, preventing 50.3% of those who suffered them from continuing archery practice. There was a moderate association between drawing arm injuries and symptomatology in the drawing phase, especially in the shoulder region (0.55), elbow (0.20), and hand (0.13), and to a lesser extent in the neck/back (0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that injury chronicity is frequent on archery. Correlations between types of bow, phases of the shoot and areas of pain could be a starting point for future studies on the repercussions of different types of injuries in archery practice.

Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Current Concepts on the Diagnostic Work-Up and Evidence-Based Protocol for Radiological Evaluation

Adhesive capsulitis is an idiopathic and disabling disorder characterized by intense shoulder pain and progressive limitation of active and passive glenohumeral joint range of motion. Although adhesive capsulitis has been traditionally considered a diagnosis of exclusion that can be established based on a suggestive medical history and the detection of supporting findings at the physical exam, imaging studies are commonly requested to confirm the diagnostic suspicion and to exclude other causes of shoulder pain. Indeed, clinical findings may be rather unspecific, and may overlap with diseases like calcific tendinitis, rotator cuff pathology, acromioclavicular or glenohumeral arthropathy, autoimmune disorders, and subacromial/subdeltoid bursitis. Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arthrography, and high-resolution ultrasound have shown high sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing adhesive capsulitis through the demonstration of specific pathological findings, including thickening of the joint capsule and of the coracohumeral ligament, fibrosis of the subcoracoid fat triangle, and extravasation of gadolinium outside the joint recesses. This narrative review provides an updated analysis of the current concepts on the role of imaging modalities in patients with adhesive capsulitis, with the final aim of proposing an evidence-based imaging protocol for the radiological evaluation of this condition.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation as Shoulder Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Pain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a major cause of chronic neurological disability in young adults and can result in upper limb sensorimotor impairment with a huge impact on manual dexterity and activities of daily living. Moreover, pain is common in MS and a large proportion of patients suffer from central neuropathic pain. To date, no rehabilitative treatment has been described as useful for these patients. A 46-year-old woman, affected by relapsing-remittent MS, described a one-year history of right shoulder pain (Visual Analogue Scale = 8) that started gradually and without trauma. The patient also presented balance and gait impairments, upper limb strength deficit, and fatigue (Expanded Disability Status Scale = 5.5). A multidisciplinary treatment was proposed, including three intra-articular corticosteroid injections and one month of manual therapy, three sessions/week, based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for the upper limb. At the end of the rehabilitative treatment, pain relief and an improvement in the range of motion of the affected shoulder, upper limb muscle strength, and hand dexterity were observed. The present paradigmatic case report with literature review demonstrated that a multidisciplinary approach seems to be effective in pain relief in a patient with central neuropathic shoulder pain and relapsing-remitting MS.

Changing our Diagnostic Paradigm Part II: Movement System Diagnostic Classification

Diagnostic classification is a foundational underpinning of providing care of the highest quality and value. Diagnosis is pattern recognition that can result in categories of conditions that ideally direct treatment. While pathoanatomic diagnoses are common and traditional in orthopaedic practice, they often are limited with regard to directing best practice physical therapy intervention. Replacement of pathoanatomic labels with non-specific regional pain labels has been proposed, and occurs frequently in clinical practice. For example non-specific low back pain or shoulder pain of unknown origin. These labels avoid some disadvantages of tissue specific pathoanatomic labels, but are not specific enough to direct treatment. A previously introduced movement system diagnostic framework is proposed and updated with application to shoulder conditions. This framework has potential for broad development and application across musculoskeletal physical therapist practice. Movement system diagnostic classification can advance and streamline practice if considered while recognizing the inherent movement variability across individuals.

Image-guided glucocorticoid injection versus injection without image guidance for shoulder pain

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread use, our 2012 Cochrane review did not confirm that use of imaging to guide glucocorticoid injection for people with shoulder pain improves its efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

To update our review and assess the benefits and harms of image-guided glucocorticoid injection compared to non-image-guided injection for patients with shoulder pain.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, via Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and clinicaltrials.gov to 15 Feb 2021, and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://www.who.int/trialsearch/Default.aspx) to 06 July 2020. We also screened reference lists of retrieved review articles and trials to identify potentially relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared image-guided glucocorticoid injection to injection without image guidance (either landmark-guided or intramuscular) injection in patients with shoulder pain (rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis or mixed or undefined shoulder pain). Major outcomes were pain, function, proportion of participants with treatment success, quality of life, adverse events, serious adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events. Minor outcomes were shoulder range of motion and proportion of participants requiring surgery or additional injections. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

Nineteen trials were included (1035 participants). Fourteen trials included participants with rotator cuff disease, four with adhesive capsulitis, and one with mixed or undefined shoulder pain. Trial size varied from 28 to 256 participants, most participants were female, mean age ranged between 31 and 60 years, and mean symptom duration varied from 2 to 23 months. Two trials were at low risk of bias for all criteria. The most notable sources of bias in the remaining trials included performance bias and detection bias. Moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias) indicates that ultrasound-guided injection probably provides little or no clinically important benefits compared with injection without guidance with respect to pain (15 trials) or function (14 trials) at three to six weeks follow-up. It may not improve quality of life (2 trials, low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to potential for bias and imprecision) and we are uncertain about the effect of ultrasound-guided injection on participant-rated treatment success due to very low-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias, inconsistency and imprecision). Mean pain (scale range 0 to 10, higher scores indicate more pain) was 3.1 points with injection without image guidance and 0.5 points better (0.2 points better to 0.8 points better; 1003 participants, 15 trials) with an ultrasound-guided injection. This represents a slight difference for pain (0.5 to 1.0 points on a 0 to 10 scale). Mean function (scale range 0 to 100, higher scores indicate better function) was 68 points with injection without image guidance and 2.4 points better (0.2 points worse to 5.1 points better; 895 participants, 14 trials) with an ultrasound-guided injection. Mean quality of life (scale range 0 to 100, higher scores indicate better quality of life) was 65 with injection without image guidance and 2.8 points better (0.7 worse to 6.4 better; 220 participants, 2 trials) with an ultrasound-guided injection. In five trials (350 participants), 101/175 (or 606 per 1000) people in the ultrasound-guided group reported treatment success compared with 68/175 (or 389 per 1000) people in the group injected without image guidance (RR 1.56 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.75)), an absolute difference of 22% more reported success (4% fewer to 62% more). Low-certainty evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision) indicates that ultrasound-guided injections may not reduce the risk of adverse events compared to injections without image guidance. In five trials (402 participants), 38/200 (or 181 per 1000) people in the ultrasound-guided group reported adverse events compared with 51/202 (or 252 per 1000) in the non-image-guided injection group (RR 0.72 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.28)), an absolute difference of 7% fewer adverse events (15% fewer to 7% more). Five trials reported that there were no serious adverse events. The remaining trials did not report serious adverse events. One trial reported that 1/53 (or 19 per 1000) in the injection without image guidance group and 0/53 in the ultrasound-guided group withdrew due to adverse events. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the effects for pain and function may have been influenced by selection bias, and the effects for function may have been influenced by detection bias. The test for subgroup differences indicated there were unlikely to be differences in pain and function across different shoulder conditions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our updated review does not support use of image guidance for injections in the shoulder. Moderate-certainty evidence indicates that ultrasound-guided injection in the treatment of shoulder pain probably provides little or no benefit over injection without imaging in terms of pain or function and low-certainty evidence indicates there may be no difference in quality of life. We are uncertain if ultrasound-guided injection improves participant-rated treatment success, due to very low-certainty evidence. Low-certainty evidence also suggests ultrasound-guided injection may not reduce the risk of adverse events compared with non-image-guided injection. No serious adverse events were reported in any trial. The lack of significant benefit of image guidance over injection without image guidance to improve patient-relevant outcomes or reduce harms, suggests that any added cost of image guidance appears unjustified.

Bilateral ultrasound findings in patients with unilateral subacromial pain syndrome

Background: Subacromial pain syndrome is a common musculoskeletal shoulder problem. The accuracy of clinical tests is low and techniques such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been added to set up a diagnosis. Previous researchers have usually only examined the symptomatic shoulder. However, there might be similar findings in the asymptomatic shoulder. Objective:The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of structural abnormalities of both shoulders in patients with clinically diagnosed unilateral subacromial pain syndrome using diagnostic ultrasound. Methods: Bilateral ultrasound examinations were performed in 115 consecutive patients, 54 men and 61 women. The patients were recruited from primary care centers in the area of Stockholm, Sweden. Results: Abnormal ultrasound findings were found in both shoulders and increased with age (p = .0004). Bursitis was the most common ultrasound finding and significantly more prevalent in the symptomatic shoulder compared to the asymptomatic shoulder (90%:74%; p = .0021), though 73% of the bursitis were bilateral. Supraspinatus is the most vulnerable tendon of the rotator cuff in both shoulders. In terms of partial-thickness tears and tendinosis, the tendon was affected more commonly in the symptomatic shoulder compared to the asymptomatic shoulder (30%:14%: 14%; p = .0026) and (24%:10%; p = .0054), respectively, but for calcification no significant difference between the shoulders was found (18%:12%; 0.1988). Conclusion: Ultrasound detected shoulder abnormalities were present in both symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders. Bursitis and partial-thickness tears were more common in the affected shoulder when compared to the unaffected shoulder. Ultrasound as well as clinical examination findings and patient´s history should be taken into consideration when diagnosing patients with subacromial pain syndrome.

Kinesio taping for rotator cuff disease

BACKGROUND

Kinesio Taping (KT) is one of the conservative treatments proposed for rotator cuff disease. KT is an elastic, adhesive, latex-free taping made from cotton, without active pharmacological agents. Clinicians have adopted it in the rehabilitation treatment of painful conditions, however, there is no firm evidence on its benefits.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of KT in adults with rotator cuff disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and WHO ICRTP registry to July 27 2020, unrestricted by date and language.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including adults with rotator cuff disease. Major outcomes were overall pain, function, pain on motion, active range of motion, global assessment of treatment success, quality of life, and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 23 trials with 1054 participants. Nine studies (312 participants) assessed the effectiveness of KT versus sham therapy and fourteen studies (742 participants) assessed the effectiveness of KT versus conservative treatment. Most participants were aged between 18 and 50 years. Females comprised 52% of the sample. For the meta-analysis, we considered the last available measurement within 30 days from the end of the intervention. All trials were at risk of performance, selection, reporting, attrition, and other biases.  Comparison with sham taping Due to very low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain whether KT improves overall pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion compared with sham taping. Mean overall pain (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 2.96 points with sham taping and 3.03 points with KT (3 RCTs,106 participants), with an absolute difference of 0.7% worse, (95% CI 7.7% better to 9% worse) and a relative difference of 2% worse (95% CI 21% better to 24% worse) at four weeks. Mean function (0 to 100 scale, 0 better function) was 47.1 points with sham taping and 39.05 points with KT (6 RCTs, 214 participants), with an absolute improvement of 8% (95% CI 21% better to 5% worse)and a relative improvement of 15% (95% CI 40% better to 9% worse) at four weeks. Mean pain on motion (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 4.39 points with sham taping and 2.91 points with KT even though not clinically important (4 RCTs, 153 participants), with an absolute improvement of 14.8% (95% CI 22.5% better to 7.1% better) and a relative improvement of 30% (95% CI 45% better to 14% better) at four weeks. Mean active range of motion (shoulder abduction) without pain was 174.2 degrees with sham taping and 184.43 degrees with KT (2 RCTs, 68 participants), with an absolute improvement of 5.7% (95% CI 8.9% worse to 20.3% better) and a relative improvement of 6% (95% CI 10% worse to 22% better) at two weeks. No studies reported global assessment of treatment success. Quality of life was reported by one study but data were disaggregated in subscales. No reliable estimates for adverse events (4 studies; very low-certainty) could be provided due to the heterogeneous description of events in the sample. Comparison with conservative treatments Due to very low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain if KT improves overall pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion compared with conservative treatments. However, KT may improve quality of life (low certainty of evidence).  Mean overall pain (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 0.9 points with conservative treatment and 0.46 points with KT (5 RCTs, 266 participants), with an absolute improvement of 4.4% (95% CI 13% better to 4.6% worse) and a relative improvement of 15% (95% CI 46% better to 16% worse) at six weeks. Mean function (0 to 100 scale, 0 better function) was 46.6 points with conservative treatment and 33.47 points with KT (14 RCTs, 499 participants), with an absolute improvement of 13% (95% CI 24% better to 2% better) and a relative improvement of 18% (95% CI 32% better to 3% better) at four weeks. Mean pain on motion (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 4 points with conservative treatment and 3.94 points with KT (6 RCTs, 225 participants), with an absolute improvement of 0.6% (95% CI 7% better to 8% worse) and a relative improvement of 1% (95% CI 12% better to 10% worse) at four weeks. Mean active range of motion (shoulder abduction) without pain was 156.6 degrees with conservative treatment and 159.64 degrees with KT (3 RCTs, 143 participants), with an absolute improvement of 3% (95% CI 11% worse to 17 % better) and a relative improvement of 3% (95% CI 9% worse to 14% better) at six weeks.  Mean of quality of life (0 to 100, 100 better quality of life) was 37.94 points with conservative treatment and 56.64 points with KT (1 RCTs, 30 participants), with an absolute improvement of 18.7% (95% CI 14.48% better to 22.92% better) and a relative improvement of 53% (95% CI 41% better to 65% better) at four weeks.  No studies were found for global assessment of treatment success. No reliable estimates for adverse events (7 studies, very low certainty of evidence) could be provided due to the heterogeneous description of events in the whole sample.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio taping for rotator cuff disease has uncertain effects in terms of self-reported pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion when compared to sham taping or other conservative treatments as the certainty of evidence was very low. Low-certainty evidence shows that kinesio taping may improve quality of life when compared to conservative treatment. We downgraded the evidence for indirectness due to differences among co-interventions, imprecision due to small number of participants across trials as well as selection bias, performance and detection bias. Evidence on adverse events was scarce and uncertain. Based upon the data in this review, the evidence for the efficacy of KT seems to demonstrate little or no benefit.

Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: Italian cross-cultural validation in patients with non-specific shoulder pain

BACKGROUND

Health-related patient reported outcome measures are considered essential to determine the impact of disease on the life of individuals. Aim of this study is to culturally adapt the Italian version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The secondary aim is to evaluate psychometric proprieties in patients with non-specific shoulder pain.

METHODS

The current study is an analysis of a sample of 59 adult patients with non-specific shoulder pain. The SPADI was translated and cross-culturally adapted, and then psychometric properties were tested. Participants completed the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-Italian (SPADI-I), 36-item short form health survey, the Oxford Shoulder Score, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale and a pain intensity visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

SPADI-I included two domains. Internal consistency analysis showed good values for total (α = 0.84) and subscales (α = 0.94 and α = 0.76). For construct validity, there was good correlation between the visual analogue scale, the Oxford Shoulder Score, the DASH and the SPADI-I total score and subscales. Standard error of measurement and minimally detectable change were calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

The SPADI-I was culturally adapted into Italian. SPADI-I is centred on pain and disability of the shoulder only and can be considered as a useful tool in daily clinical practice for assessing musculoskeletal non-specific shoulder pain because of its good internal consistency and validity. Further studies should focus on other psychometric proprieties such as test re-test reliability, responsiveness and clinical interpretability to improve the available clinimetrics of the tool.

Symptom response to mobilization and outcomes in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: A cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were the following: (1) to determine if there was a difference in outcomes between immediate responders to glenohumeral mobilizations at the initial evaluation, 2-week, 4-week, and 6-month follow-up as compared to those that do not respond in participants with subacromial pain syndrome; (2) to see if there were statistically significant differences in outcomes within these groups between these time frames of interest, and (3) to see if symptom response at the initial evaluation was predictive of a favorable recovery.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-group observational design. Clinicians pragmatically identified positive responders as improving at least two points on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and/or a 20° improvement in shoulder active range of motion (AROM) following shoulder mobilization at the initial evaluation. Data were collected for the subjective and objective variables of interest at the initial evaluation, 2-week, 4-week, and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The prevalence of responders at the initial evaluation was 99 (81.8%). There were no statistically significant between-group differences for the variables of interest except for the Global Rating of Change (GRoC; f = 2.79, p = 0.006). The shoulder abduction AROM between-group difference exceeded the minimal detectable change at 4 weeks. The pair-wise comparison showed statistically significant differences for the outcomes of interest at each time point except for the GRoC between 4 weeks and 6 months. There was a statistically significant correlation between responders at the initial evaluation and shoulder abduction AROM at the 4-week follow-up (r_pb (112) = 0.27, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with SAPS may benefit from shoulder mobilization independent of their within-session response to shoulder mobilization at the initial evaluation. Future research should seek to differentiate if these improvements are related to the within-session positive treatment response at the initial evaluation in individuals who are randomized to receive shoulder mobilization or not.

Measurement properties of translated versions of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To summarise measurement properties of translated versions of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and to assess their methodological quality.

METHODS

Relevant studies testing measurement properties of translated versions of the SPADI in non-specific shoulder pain participants were included from 11 databases (August 2020). Two reviewers independently screened articles and assessed individual measurement property risk of bias using the COSMIN checklist as very good, adequate, doubtful or inadequate. For each measurement property results were pooled and rated sufficient, insufficient, or inconsistent. Synthesised evidence was graded as high, moderate, low or very low (GRADE approach).

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies (21 languages and 26 different versions) were included from 4402 articles. A total of 141 measurement properties were reported with 60 rated as very good or adequate. These included; internal consistency (19), test-retest reliability (4), construct validity (6), structural validity (10), measurement error (5), responsiveness (9), and cross-cultural validity (2). Comprehensibility was adequate in the Chinese, German, Nepali, Spanish and Urdu versions. Only the Danish, Dutch and Nepali versions confirmed all, or all but one, of their measurement properties with sound methodology. Pooled results of all measurement properties except structural validity were rated as sufficient. Quality of evidence was graded moderate to high with downgrading due to inconsistent results.

CONCLUSION

Overall evidence suggests the SPADI is valid, reliable and responsive in translated form but less than half the measurement properties tested were of adequate quality. Further testing is required in many languages particularly in; test-retest reliability, measurement error and construct validity.

Patients with shoulder pain referred to specialist care; treatment, predictors of pain and disability, emotional distress, main symptoms and sick-leave: a cohort study with a six-months follow-up

Objectives

Recommendations for referral of patients with shoulder pain from primary to specialist care are mainly clinical. Several patients are referred without meeting these criteria for referral, whereas some are referred for a second opinion although surgery is not recommended. The aims of this study were to describe a shoulder pain cohort in specialist healthcare according to demographic data, clinical, and psychological factors; evaluate changes in pain and disability, distress and main symptoms from baseline to six-month follow-up; and to assess predictors of pain and disability, changes in the main symptoms and sick-leave at six-months. Results were compared to previous randomised trials conducted at the same clinic in patients with subacromial shoulder pain.

Methods

This prospective study included 167 patients from an outpatient clinic in specialist healthcare with shoulder pain for more than 6 weeks. Clinical (pain duration, intensity, pain sites), sociodemographic (age, gender, educational level, work status) and psychological variables (emotional distress (HSCL-10), fear of pain, screening of “yellow flags”, health-related quality of life) were collected. Shoulder pain and disability (SPADI-score) were assessed and the patients were asked about their outcome expectation and to predict their status of their shoulder problem the next month. They underwent a clinical interview, a clinical assessment of shoulder function and orthopaedic tests for diagnostic purposes. After six months they received a questionnaire with main variables.

Results

Of the 167 patients (55% women), 50% had symptoms for more than 12 months and 37 (22%) were on sick-leave. Characteristics were in general comparable to patients previously included in clinical trials at the same department. The SPADI-score was 46 (23) points. Mean emotional distress was within the normal range (1.7 (SD 0.6)). More than 80% had received treatment before, mainly physiotherapy in addition to the GPs treatment. One hundred and thirty-seven patients (82%) were re-referred to physiotherapy, 74 (44%) in the outpatient clinic specialist healthcare, and 63 (38%) in primary care. One hundred and eighteen (71%) answered the follow-up questionnaire. Mean change in SPADI-score was 10.5 points (95% CI (6.5–14.5)), and 29% of the patients improved more than the smallest detectable difference (SDD). The percentage sick-listed was 19.5%, and mean change in main symptoms (−9 to +9) was 3.4 (SD 3.9). The subgroup of patients receiving physiotherapy in outpatient specialist care did not show any significant change in the main variables. The prediction models suggested that a lower level of education, more fear of pain and a high baseline SPADI-score, predicted a higher SPADI-score at follow-up. A high baseline HSCL-10 score was the only significant predictor for a high HSCL-10 score. At follow-up, less pain at rest predicted more change in main symptoms and more yellow flags (a higher score on the Örebro screening test) predicted sick-leave.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of a cohort study, patients with persistent shoulder pain referred to an outpatient specialist clinic had similar baseline characteristics but shorter treatment duration, inferior clinical results and predictors somewhat different compared with previous clinical trials conducted at the same clinic. The study raises some questions about the effectiveness of the routines in daily clinical practice, the selection of patients, the treatment duration and content.

An Update of Systematic Reviews Examining the Effectiveness of Conservative Physical Therapy Interventions for Subacromial Shoulder Pain

OBJECTIVE

To update a systematic review published in 2013 that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of physical therapy, including exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and combined or multimodal approaches to managing shoulder pain.

DESIGN

Umbrella review.

LITERATURE SEARCH

An electronic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL was undertaken. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) checklist for systematic reviews.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

Nonsurgical treatments for subacromial shoulder pain.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Sixteen systematic reviews were retrieved. Results were summarized qualitatively.

RESULTS

A strong recommendation can be made for exercise therapy as the first-line treatment to improve pain, mobility, and function in patients with subacromial shoulder pain. Manual therapy may be integrated, with a strong recommendation, as additional therapy. There was moderate evidence of no effect for other commonly prescribed interventions, such as laser therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic energy, and ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

There is a growing body of evidence to support exercise therapy as an intervention for subacromial shoulder pain. Ongoing research is required to provide guidance on exercise type, dose, duration, and expected outcomes. A strong recommendation may be made regarding the inclusion of manual therapy in the initial treatment phase. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(3):131-141. Epub 15 Nov 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.8498.

Osteopathic treatment of patients with shoulder pain. A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Shoulder complaints are common in the general population. Typically, the diagnosis of a specific pathology is lacking. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of an osteopathic treatment in patients suffering from shoulder pain.

METHODS

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with a history of shoulder pain of 6 weeks to 12 months, and a pain intensity level of at least 40% on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Participants were identified from the general population in Germany and allocated by means of external randomization to an intervention group or a control group. Patients in the intervention group received five osteopathic treatments at intervals of two weeks. Treatment was custom tailored and based on osteopathic principles. Controls received their osteopathic treatment after an 8-week untreated waiting period. Primary outcome parameters were pain intensity and frequency, measured by VAS and Likert Scales. Secondary outcome parameters were shoulder specific pain and disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, SPADI), and quality of life (SF-36).

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients aged 25-70 years (average age 45.6 ± 13.4 years) were included, 36 in the intervention group and 34 in the control group. The inter-group comparison of changes revealed clinically relevant improvements in favor of the intervention group for the main outcome parameters maximal pain intensity (VAS: between group difference of means 41.5; 95% CI: 34.6 to 48.3; p < 0.005) and average pain intensity (VAS: between group difference of means 40.4; 95% CI: 33.2 to 47.5; p < 0.005). The proportion of participants with a low frequency of pain increased in the osteopathic group only (from 7 to 34 vs. 9 to 6 in the control group, p = 0.006), and the number of patients with a high frequency decreased in the osteopathic group only (from 29 to 2 vs. 25 to 28, p < 0.0005). Shoulder specific pain and disability also improved. The follow-up assessment in the intervention group showed further improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Five osteopathic treatments over a period of eight weeks led to statistically significant and clinically relevant positive changes of pain and disability in patients suffering from shoulder pain.

What do Cochrane Systematic Reviews say about conservative and surgical therapeutic interventions for treating rotator cuff disease? Synthesis of evidence

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is considered to be the third largest cause of musculoskeletal functional alterations in individuals presenting pain during movement.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this synthesis of evidence was to identify the clinical effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatments reported in Cochrane systematic reviews among individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff disease.

DESIGNAND SETTING

Review of systematic reviews, conducted in the Federal University of São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP).

METHODS

This synthesis of evidence included systematic reviews that had been published in the Cochrane database. The inclusion criteria were that these systematic reviews should involve individuals aged ≥ 16 years with rotator cuff disease, comparing surgical procedures with or without associated nonsurgical procedures versus placebo, no treatment or other nonsurgical interventions.

RESULTS

Thirty-one systematic reviews were included, involving comparisons between surgical procedures and conservative treatment; procedures either combined or not combined with drugs, versus other procedures; and procedures involving exercises, manual therapy and electrothermal or phototherapeutic resources.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that strengthening exercises, with or without associated manual therapy techniques and other resources, were the interventions with greatest power of treatment over the medium and long terms, for individuals with shoulder pain. These had greater therapeutic power than surgical procedures, electrotherapy or photobiomodulation.Protocol registration number in the PROSPERO database: ID - CRD42018096578.

Does the outcome of diagnostic ultrasound influence the treatment modalities and recovery in patients with shoulder pain in physiotherapy practice? Results from a prospective cohort study

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study including patients with shoulder pain in primary care physiotherapy.

BACKGROUND

There is an increased tendency to use diagnostic ultrasound to aid the diagnostic strategy and target treatment. It is a relatively cheap and accessible imaging technique but the implications for practice and patients are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To study the influence of diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) on diagnostic work-up, treatment modalities and recovery.

METHODS

Participants (n = 389) with a new episode of shoulder pain were assessed at baseline and followed for 6, 12 and 26 weeks. Diagnostic work-up, including the use of DUS, and treatment strategies were reported by the therapists at 3, 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Most patients (41%) were diagnosed with subacromial impingement/pain syndrome after physical examination or DUS. DUS was used in 31% of the participants. Tendinopathy was the most found abnormality in this sub-population. Patients who underwent DUS were more frequently treated using exercise therapy. Patients that not had DUS were more likely to receive massage therapy, trigger point therapy or mobilisation techniques. Logistic regression analyses did not show a significant association between DUS and recovery after 26 weeks (0.88, 95%CI:0.50-1.57). Correcting for the therapist as a confounder using a multilevel binary logistic regression did not show a significant cluster effect.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic US as a work-up component does not seem to influence diagnosis or recovery but does influence the choice of treatment modality. Conclusions are limited to observational data. High quality randomized trials should study the effect of DUS on recovery.

Agreement between physical therapists and radiologists of stratifying patients with shoulder pain into new treatment related categories using ultrasound; an exploratory study

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic overview of the literature and an agreement study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore the inter-professional agreement of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (DMUS) between physical therapists (PT) and radiologists, using a new classification strategy based upon the therapeutic consequences in patients with shoulder pain.

BACKGROUND

DMUS is frequently used by PTs, although the agreement regarding traditional diagnostic labels between PTs and radiologists is only fair. Nevertheless, DMUS could be useful when used as a stratifying-tool.

METHODS

First, a systematic overview of current evidence was performed to assess which traditional diagnostic labels could be recoded into new treatment related categories (referral to secondary care, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, watchful waiting). Next, kappa values were calculated for these categories between PTs and radiologists.

RESULTS

Only three categories were extracted, as none of the traditional diagnostic labels were classified into the 'corticosteroid injection' category. Overall, we found moderate agreement to stratify patients into treatment related categories and substantial agreement for the category 'referral to secondary care'. Both categories 'watchful waiting' and 'indication for physical therapy' showed moderate agreement between the two professions.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the agreement between radiologists and PTs is moderate to substantial when labelling is based on treatment consequences. DMUS might be able to help the PT to guide treatment, especially for the category 'referral to secondary care' as this showed the highest agreement. However, as this is just an explorative study, more research is needed, to validate and assess the consequences of this stratification classification for clinical care.

Work participation and working life expectancy after a disabling shoulder lesion

Objective

To examine the impact of a disabling non-traumatic shoulder lesion on work participation and working life expectancy.

Methods

From a 70% random sample of the Finnish population, we selected 30–59-year-old wage earners with prolonged sickness absence due to a shoulder lesion (n=7644). We followed the persons from 2006 to 2014 and calculated the proportion of time a person spent in different work participation statuses. The associations of potential determinants with a preterm exit from paid employment were tested using Cox regression. Years expected to be spent in different work participation statuses were estimated applying the Sullivan method for healthy life expectancy.

Results

During 9 years of follow-up time spent at work was reduced from 77.7% to 46.7%, and 15.8% of the persons were granted disability retirement, mostly due to shoulder and other musculoskeletal diseases. Compared with the general population persons with a disabling shoulder disease are expected to lose from 1.8 to 8.1 years of working life, depending on their age. Age, gender, education, duration of initial sickness absence due to the shoulder lesion, not being able to return to work sustainably and participation in vocational rehabilitation predicted preterm exit from work. Heavy lifting increased the risk of preterm exit marginally.

Conclusions

Working life expectancy is markedly reduced in persons with a disabling shoulder lesion, mainly because of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal problems. Clinicians should consider interventions targeted at improving musculoskeletal functioning and necessary work modifications before shoulder problems become chronic or the persons develop disabling comorbid musculoskeletal conditions.

The Impact of Decreased Scapulothoracic Upward Rotation on Subacromial Proximities

BACKGROUND

Decreased scapulothoracic upward rotation has been theorized to increase an individual's risk for rotator cuff compression by reducing the clearance for the tendons in the subacromial space (ie, subacromial proximities). However, the impact of decreased scapulothoracic upward rotation on subacromial proximities has not been tested during dynamic in vivo shoulder motion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of decreased scapulothoracic upward rotation on subacromial proximities.

METHODS

Shoulder kinematics were quantified in 40 participants, classified as having high or low scapulothoracic upward rotation, during scapular plane abduction using single-plane fluoroscopy and 2-D/3-D shape-matching. Subacromial proximities were calculated as (1) the normalized minimum distance between the coracoacromial arch and humeral rotator cuff insertion, and (2) the surface area of the humeral rotator cuff insertion in immediate proximity to the coracoacromial arch. The effect of decreased scapulothoracic upward rotation on subacromial proximities was assessed using 2-factor mixed-model analyses of variance. The prevalence of contact between the coracoacromial arch and rotator cuff was also quantified.

RESULTS

Subacromial distances were generally smallest below 70° of humerothoracic elevation. With the arm at the side, the normalized minimum distance for participants in the low scapulothoracic upward rotation group was 34.8% smaller compared to those in the high upward rotation group (P = .049). Contact between the coracoacromial arch and rotator cuff tendon occurred in 45% of participants.

CONCLUSION

Decreased scapulothoracic upward rotation shifts the range of risk for subacromial rotator cuff compression to lower angles. However, the low prevalence of contact suggests that subacromial rotator cuff compression may be less common than traditionally presumed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(3):180-191. Epub 18 Jan 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8590.

Can clinical assessment differentiate partial thickness rotator cuff tears from full thickness rotator cuff tears? A secondary analysis

Purpose: Shoulder pain causes significant disability, with rotator cuff disease as a common diagnosis. Differentially diagnosing partial tears of the rotator cuff tendons is difficult despite use of imaging and clinical examination. Our objective was to determine if a clinical assessment framework could discriminate between patients with partial and full thickness tears.Materials and Methods: Pre-operative baseline data from two randomized controlled trials of 452 adult patients awaiting rotator cuff repair were analyzed in this secondary analysis. Nineteen items from a pre-defined clinical assessment framework were investigated for association with the outcome of surgically confirmed partial or full thickness tear. Logistic regression tested independent associations and multivariable models were developed to create the most parsimonious model.Results: Thirty-two participants (7%) had partial thickness tears. Constant Power Score was the sole item associated with partial thickness tears (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12). Traumatic mechanism of injury trended toward significance (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.06-4.48).Conclusions: Greater abduction strength (i.e., Constant Power Score) was associated with partial thickness tears. Other clinical assessment items did not differentiate between partial and full tears. Our results add to the growing body of research showing most clinical findings are not associated with a diagnosis in rotator cuff disease.Implications for RehabilitationGreater shoulder abduction strength (as measured with the Constant Power Score) was associated with partial thickness rotator cuff tears.Most findings within our clinical assessment framework did not distinguish between partial thickness and full thickness rotator cuff tears and thus, did not contribute to a differential pathoanatomical diagnosis.Since structural integrity of the rotator cuff and patient presentation show poor association, and rehabilitation intervention is often impairment-based, pathoanatomical diagnosis may not adequately direct non-surgical treatment. Including movement-based diagnoses or treatment classification systems in evaluation of rotator cuff disease may improve selection of appropriate conservative treatment.

Does Altering Sitting Posture Have a Direct Effect on Clinical Shoulder Tests in Individuals With Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Degenerative Tears?

BACKGROUND

Posture variations have been repeatedly linked to shoulder kinematics, strength, range of motion, and rotator cuff diseases. However, to our knowledge, no study has yet examined their possible link with shoulder pain provocation and pain levels during clinical shoulder tests.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine whether changing posture while sitting modifies pain provocation and pain level during performance of 3 clinical shoulder tests in participants with shoulder pain and rotator cuff degenerative tears (RCDTs).

METHODS

Seventy individuals were allocated into 2 groups by an experienced physical therapist: 35 participants with symptomatic shoulders and RCDT diagnosed by ultrasound (tear size = 1.0 +/- 0.5 cm) and 35 control participants with no symptoms in the upper limb. All participants were tested by a second physical therapist for pain provocation (yes/no) and pain level (visual analog scale) using 3 common clinical shoulder tests: the Neer, the Hawkins-Kennedy, and the empty can while sitting in a neutral, slouched, and upright posture. Shoulder muscle forces were examined by a hand-held dynamometer for possible correlations only in the neutral posture. All participants were asked to fill out the quick DASH (disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand) questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the symptomatic group, all 3 clinical tests demonstrated similar pain provocation (100% repeatability) and pain level in all 3 sitting postures (visual analog scale scores 3.7-4.4). Muscle force mean ranges of the study groups were 4.4 to 7 kg and, in the control group, 6 to 10.5 kg. No correlations were found between age, body mass index, shoulder pain, hand dominance, onset of symptoms, severity, and tear size with any of the dependent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Changing posture while sitting did not directly affect pain provocation and pain levels during performance of 3 clinical shoulder tests in participants with shoulder pain and RCDTs.

The management of shoulder impingement and related disorders: A systematic review on diagnostic accuracy of physical tests and manual therapy efficacy

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic accuracy of physical tests and effectiveness of musculoskeletal rehabilitation of shoulder disorders are still debated.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate diagnostic accuracy of physical tests, efficacy of physiotherapy and coherence between target of assessment and intervention for shoulder impingement and related disorders like bursitis, rotator cuff and long head biceps tendinopathy and labral lesions.

METHODS

A systematic search of four databases was conducted, including RCTs and cross-sectional studies. Cochrane Risk of Bias and QUADAS-2 were adopted for critical appraisal and a narrative synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS

6 RCTs and 2 cross-sectional studies were appraised. Studies presented low to moderate risk of bias. There is a lack of evidence to support the mechanical construct guiding the choice of physical tests for diagnosis of impingement. Manual techniques appear to yield better results than placebo and ultrasounds, but not better than exercise therapy alone. Discrepancy between the goal of assessment strategies and the relative proposed treatments were present together with high heterogeneity in terms of selection of patients, type of endpoints and follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy seems to be an effective treatment for patients with shoulder pain although it is still based on weak diagnostic clinical instruments. The adoption of more functional and prognostic assessment strategies is advisable to improve coherence between evaluation and treatment.

Towards an integrated clinical framework for patient with shoulder pain

Background

Shoulder pain (SP) represents a common musculoskeletal condition that requires physical therapy care. Along the years, the usual evaluation strategies based on clinical tests and diagnostic imaging has been challenged. Clinical tests appear unable to clearly identify the structures that generated pain and interpretation of diagnostic imaging is still controversial. The current patho-anatomical diagnostic categories have demonstrated poor reliability and seem inadequate for the SP treatment.

Objectives

The present paper aims to (1) describe the different proposals of clinical approach to SP currently available in the literature; to (2) integrate these proposals in a single framework in order to help the management of SP.

Conclusion

The proposed clinical framework, based on a bio-psychosocial vision of health, integrates symptoms characteristics, pain mechanisms and expectations, preferences and psychosocial factors of patients that may guide physiotherapist to make a diagnostic triage and to choose the right treatment for the individual patient.

Thoracic manual therapy is not more effective than placebo thoracic manual therapy in patients with shoulder dysfunctions: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Manual treatments targeting different regions (shoulder, cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs) have been studied to deal with patients complaining of shoulder pain. Thoracic manual treatments seem able to produce beneficial effects on this group of patients. However, it is not clear whether the patient improvement is a consequence of thoracic manual therapy or a placebo effect.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of thoracic manual therapy and placebo thoracic manual treatment for patients with shoulder dysfunction.

METHODS

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, WoS, EMBASE, ERIC) were searched through November 2016. Randomized Controlled Trials assessing pain, mobility and function were selected. The Cochrane bias estimation tool was applied. Outcome results were either extracted or computed from raw data. Meta-analysis was performed for outcomes with low heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Four studies were included in the review. The methodology of the included studies was generally good except for one study that was rated as high risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed no significant effect for "pain at present" (SMD -0.02; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.32) and "pain during movement" (SMD -0.12; 95% CI: -0.45, 0.21).

CONCLUSION

There is very low to low quality of evidence that a single session of thoracic manual therapy is not more effective than a single session of placebo thoracic manual therapy in patients with shoulder dysfunction at immediate post-treatment.

Consistency of commonly used orthopedic special tests of the shoulder when used with the McKenzie system of mechanical diagnosis and therapy

BACKGROUND

Shoulder Orthopedic Special Tests (OSTs) are used to assist with diagnosis in shoulder disorders. Issues with reliability and validity exist, making their interpretation challenging. Exploring OST results on repeated testing within Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) shoulder classifications may offer insight into the poor performance of these tests.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate in patients with shoulder complaints, whether MDT classifications affect the agreement of OST results over the course of treatment.

METHODS

An international group of MDT clinicians recruited 105 patients with shoulder problems. Three commonly used OSTs (Empty Can, Hawkins-Kennedy, and Speed's tests) were utilized. Results of the OSTs were collected at sessions 1, 3, 5 and 8, or at discharge from an MDT classification-based treatment. The Kappa statistic was utilized to determine the agreement of the OST results over time for each of the MDT classifications.

RESULTS

The overall Kappa values for Empty Can, Hawkins-Kennedy and Speed's tests were 0.28 (SE = 0.07), 0.28 (SE = 0.07) and 0.29 (SE = 0.07), respectively. The highest level of agreement was for Articular Dysfunction for the Empty Can test (0.84, SE = 0.19). For shoulder Derangements, there was no agreement for any of the OSTs (P values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The lack of agreement when the OSTs were consecutively tested in the presence of the MDT Derangement classification contrasted with the other MDT classifications. The presence of Derangement was responsible for reducing the overall agreement of commonly used OSTs and may explain the poor consistency for OSTs.

Outcome Reporting in Randomized Trials for Shoulder Disorders: Literature Review to Inform the Development of a Core Outcome Set

OBJECTIVE

To explore the outcome domains and measurement instruments reported across randomized trials of any interventions for various shoulder disorders.

METHODS

We searched for shoulder trials included in Cochrane reviews published up to Issue 10, 2015, or indexed in PubMed between 2006 and 2015. Trials were eligible for inclusion if they focused on any intervention for rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, glenohumeral or acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, shoulder dislocation, proximal humeral or humeral head fractures, or unspecified shoulder pain. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted information on the domains and measurement instruments reported, with consensus discussion among all authors where required.

RESULTS

We included 409 trials, published between 1954 and 2015. Across the trials, we identified 319 different instruments that were classified into 32 domains. Most trials reported a measure of pain (90%), range of motion (78%), and physical function (71%). The recording of adverse events was reported in only 31% of the trials. Muscle strength was reported in 44% of the trials and imaging outcomes in 21%. Other patient-reported outcome measures, such as global assessment of treatment success, health-related quality of life, work ability, and psychological functioning, were each reported in ≤15% of the trials. Most of the domains were reported at similar frequencies across different shoulder disorders.

CONCLUSION

The domains and measurement instruments reported were widely diverse. Our results provide a foundation for the development of a core outcome set for use in future trials across all shoulder disorders.

Measurement properties of clinical assessment methods for classifying generalized joint hypermobility-A systematic review

The purpose was to perform a systematic review of clinical assessment methods for classifying Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH), evaluate their clinimetric properties, and perform the best evidence synthesis of these methods. Four test assessment methods (Beighton Score [BS], Carter and Wilkinson, Hospital del Mar, Rotes-Querol) and two questionnaire assessment methods (Five-part questionnaire [5PQ], Beighton Score-self reported [BS-self]) were identified on children or adults. Using the Consensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement Instrument (COSMIN) checklist for evaluating the methodological quality of the identified studies, all included studies were rated "fair" or "poor." Most studies were using BS, and for BS the reliability most of the studies showed limited positive to conflicting evidence, with some shortcomings on studies for the validity. The three other test assessment methods lack satisfactory information on both reliability and validity. For the questionnaire assessment methods, 5PQ was the most frequently used, and reliability showed conflicting evidence, while the validity had limited positive to conflicting evidence compared with test assessment methods. For BS-self, the validity showed unknown evidence compared with test assessment methods. In conclusion, following recommended uniformity of testing procedures, the recommendation for clinical use in adults is BS with cut-point of 5 of 9 including historical information, while in children it is BS with cut-point of at least 6 of 9. However, more studies are needed to conclude on the validity properties of these assessment methods, and before evidence-based recommendations can be made for clinical use on the "best" assessment method for classifying GJH. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of glenohumeral elevation on subacromial supraspinatus compression risk during simulated reaching

Mechanical subacromial rotator cuff compression is one theoretical mechanism in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff disease. However, the relationship between shoulder kinematics and mechanical subacromial rotator cuff compression across the range of humeral elevation motion is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of humeral elevation on subacromial compression risk of the supraspinatus during a simulated functional reaching task. Three-dimensional anatomical models were reconstructed from shoulder magnetic resonance images acquired from 20 subjects (10 asymptomatic, 10 symptomatic). Standardized glenohumeral kinematics from a simulated reaching task were imposed on the anatomic models and analyzed at 0, 30, 60, and 90° humerothoracic elevation. Five magnitudes of humeral retroversion were also imposed on the models at each angle of humerothoracic elevation to investigate the impact of retroversion on subacromial proximities. The minimum distance between the coracoacromial arch and supraspinatus tendon and footprint were quantified. When contact occurred, the magnitude of the intersecting volume between the supraspinatus tendon and coracoacromial arch was also quantified. The smallest minimum distance from the coracoacromial arch to the supraspinatus footprint occurred between 30 and 90°, while the smallest minimum distance to the supraspinatus tendon occurred between 0 and 60°. The magnitude of humeral retroversion did not significantly affect minimum distance to the supraspinatus tendon except at 60 or 90° humerothoracic elevation. The results of this study provide support for mechanical rotator cuff compression as a potential mechanism for the development of rotator cuff disease. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2329-2337, 2017.

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: pain intensity and distribution

PURPOSE

Papers regarding adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder focused on etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment; until now, information on shoulder pain characteristics is still scarce. Our aim was to analyze pain intensity and distribution in patients with AC.

METHODS

The study group was composed of 278 (133M-145F) consecutive patients with AC. After diagnosis, shoulder pain distribution was assessed through an upper limb pain map and pain intensity through a visual analog scale. Patients were distinguished on the basis of gender, age, time elapsed from onset of symptoms, and severity of functional limitation. Data were submitted to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Intensity of shoulder pain caused by AC was higher in females (p < 0.05); it did not vary with the side and between patient younger and older than 55 years. Patients whose pain arose from more than 3 months suffered a lower intensity of shoulder pain. Furthermore, pain intensity was higher in the most severe form of AC (active forward flexion < 60°) (p < 0.05). Pain was localized predominantly on the anterior aspect of the shoulder (dermatomes C5-C6) and rarely extended beyond the distal third of the arm. No differences were found in pain distribution between male and female, between patients with pain from less or more than 3 months and between different levels of AC severity (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Shoulder pain due to AC may be influenced by gender and severity of functional limitation. AC pain distribution principally involves anterior aspect of the shoulder with downward extension of the arm until its distal third.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Does the acromiohumeral distance matter in chronic rotator cuff related shoulder pain?

BACKGROUND/HYPOTHESIS

The relation between acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and severity of pain, disability and range of movement (ROM) in patients with chronic rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) has not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of association between AHD measured by ultrasonography and pain-disability and shoulder range of movement (ROM), in patients suffering from chronic RCRSP. As a secondary objective, the determination of the intrarater reliability of AHD at both 0 and 60 degrees of shoulder elevation was carried out.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHOD

A sample comprised of 97 patients with chronic RCSRP symptoms was recruited from three different primary care centres. Acromio-humeral distance (AHD) measured by ultrasonography at 0 and 60 degrees of shoulder elevation, shoulder pain-function (SPADI) and range of movement (ROM) were taken.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between AHD at 0° (-0,215), and at 60° (-0,148), with SPADI. No correlations were found with AHD and shoulder ROM at both 0 and 60°. Intrarater reliability was excellent for AHD at 0 and 60°.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a small association between AHD and shoulder pain and function, as well as with shoulder ROM, in patients with chronic RCRSP. Hence, clinicians should consider other possibilities rather than focusing their therapies only in increasing AHD when patients with chronic RCRSP are treated.

Comparative Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection, Corticosteroid Injection and Ultrasonic Therapy in the Treatment of Periarthritis Shoulder

INTRODUCTION

Periarthritis (PA) shoulder characterised by pain and restricted range of motion has a plethora of treatment options with inconclusive evidence. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging treatment option and its efficacy needs to be examined and compared with other routine interventions.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of PRP injection and compare it with corticosteroid injection and ultrasonic therapy in the treatment of PA shoulder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with PA shoulder (n=195) were randomised to receive single injection of PRP (2 ml) or corticosteroid (80 mg of methylprednisolone) or ultrasonic therapy (seven sittings in two weeks; 1.5 W/cm², 1 MHz, continuous mode). All participants were also advised to perform a home based 10 minute exercise therapy. The primary outcome measure was active range of motion of the shoulder. Secondary outcome measures used were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and a shortened version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) for function. Participants were evaluated at 0, 3, 6 and 12 weeks. Chi-square test, one way and repeated measures of ANOVA tests were used to determine significant differences.

RESULTS

PRP treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements over corticosteroid and ultrasonic therapy in active as well as passive range of motion of shoulder, VAS and QuickDASH at 12 weeks. At six weeks, PRP treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements over ultrasonic therapy in VAS and QuickDASH. No major adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that single injection of PRP is effective and better than corticosteroid injection or ultrasonic therapy in treatment of PA shoulder.

Application of the McKenzie system of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) in patients with shoulder pain; a prospective longitudinal study

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine if the pain and function response to the McKenzie system of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) differs by MDT classification category at two and four weeks following the start of MDT treatment for shoulder complaints. The secondary objective was to describe the frequency of discharge over time by MDT classification.

Methods

International, MDT-trained study collaborators recruited 93 patients attending physiotherapy for rehabilitation of a shoulder problem. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) were collected at the initial assessment and two and four weeks after treatment commenced. A two-way mixed model analysis of variance with planned pairwise comparisons was performed to identify where the differences between MDT classification groups actually existed.

Results

The Derangement and Spinal classifications had significantly lower NPRS scores than the Dysfunction group at week 2 and week 4 (p < 0.05). The Derangement and Spinal classifications had significantly higher UEFI scores than the Dysfunction group at week 2 and week 4 (p < 0.05). The frequency of discharge at week 2 was 37% for both Derangement and Spinal classifications, with no discharges for the Dysfunction classification at this time point. The frequency of discharge at week 4 was 83, 82 and 15% for the Derangement, Spinal and Dysfunction classifications, respectively.

Discussion

Classifying patients with shoulder pain using the MDT system can impact treatment outcomes and the frequency of discharge. When MDT-trained clinicians are allowed to match the intervention to a specific MDT classification, the outcome is aligned with the response expectation of the classification.Level of Evidence: 2b.

Is coracohumeral distance associated with pain-function, and shoulder range of movement, in chronic anterior shoulder pain?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to assess the intrarater reliability of coracohumeral distance; (ii) to investigate the level of association between coracohumeral distance measured by ultrasonography, and pain-disability and shoulder range of movement, in patients suffering from chronic anterior shoulder pain.

METHODS

An observational, cross sectional study was carried out. A convenience sample comprised of 87 patients with chronic anterior shoulder pain was assessed from 3 primary care centres. Main outcomes as pain and function were measured through the shoulder pain and disability index. Furthermore, shoulder range of movement-free of pain in shoulder elevation, as well as coracohumeral distance at both 0 and 60 degrees, were collected.

RESULTS

Absence of any correlation was found between coracohumeral distance and shoulder pain and disability index at both 0 and 60 degrees of shoulder elevation. Furthermore, absence of any correlation was found between coracohumeral distance measurements and active shoulder range of movement -free of pain.

CONCLUSIONS

There was poor association between coracohumeral distance and shoulder pain and function, as well as with shoulder range of movement, in patients with chronic anterior shoulder pain. Hence, clinicians should consider, not only increasing this space, but also other possibilities in their therapies, when patients with anterior shoulder pain are treated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12614000144617 . Registered: 1^st March 2014.

Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review

Background

An understanding of the epidemiology of a problem is central to facilitating clinical understanding, resource allocation and future research priorities.

Objectives

To systematically review and report incidence, prevalence, risk and prognostic factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Methods

An electronic search of MEDLINE, CiNAHL, PsychINFO to December 2012 was complemented by hand and citation-searching. Studies were selected in relation to pre-defined criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

The incidence of rotator cuff tendinopathy ranges from 0.3% to 5.5% and annual prevalence from 0.5% to 7.4%. There is limited evidence suggesting that increasing age and other personal, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with onset. There is strong evidence suggesting that high baseline pain and disability and previous episodes of shoulder pain are associated with an unfavourable outcome and strong evidence suggesting that biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome. Other factors were identified but were only supported by moderate or limited evidence.

Conclusions

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common problem but uncertainty remains regarding the true extent and risk factors associated with onset. High baseline pain and disability and previous episodes are associated with an unfavourable outcome but biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome.

Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test performance

BACKGROUND

Physical examination tests of the shoulder (PETS) are clinical examination maneuvers designed to aid the assessment of shoulder complaints. Despite more than 180 PETS described in the literature, evidence of their validity and usefulness in diagnosing the shoulder is questioned.

METHODS

This meta-analysis aims to use diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) to evaluate how much PETS shift overall probability and to rank the test performance of single PETS in order to aid the clinician's choice of which tests to use. This study adheres to the principles outlined in the Cochrane guidelines and the PRISMA statement. A fixed effect model was used to assess the overall diagnostic validity of PETS by pooling DOR for different PETS with similar biomechanical rationale when possible. Single PETS were assessed and ranked by DOR. Clinical performance was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

Six thousand nine-hundred abstracts and 202 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility; 20 articles were eligible and data from 11 articles could be included in the meta-analysis. All PETS for SLAP (superior labral anterior posterior) lesions pooled gave a DOR of 1.38 [1.13, 1.69]. The Supraspinatus test for any full thickness rotator cuff tear obtained the highest DOR of 9.24 (sensitivity was 0.74, specificity 0.77). Compression-Rotation test obtained the highest DOR (6.36) among single PETS for SLAP lesions (sensitivity 0.43, specificity 0.89) and Hawkins test obtained the highest DOR (2.86) for impingement syndrome (sensitivity 0.58, specificity 0.67). No single PETS showed superior clinical test performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical performance of single PETS is limited. However, when the different PETS for SLAP lesions were pooled, we found a statistical significant change in post-test probability indicating an overall statistical validity. We suggest that clinicians choose their PETS among those with the highest pooled DOR and to assess validity to their own specific clinical settings, review the inclusion criteria of the included primary studies. We further propose that future studies on the validity of PETS use randomized research designs rather than the accuracy design relying less on well-established gold standard reference tests and efficient treatment options.

Shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of clinical trial participant selection criteria

BACKGROUND

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common diagnosis for patients with pain and dysfunction of the shoulder. Variations in the signs and symptoms might lead to uncertainty regarding the definition of SIS. The aim of this review is to explore the participant selection criteria used in the literature when investigating SIS and to assess differences in criteria among treating professions.

METHODS

This is a PRISMA systematic review of publications from 2009 to 2014 from MEDLINE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven articles met inclusion criteria for this review. Twenty-five different surgical and nonsurgical treatments were investigated. Impingement-specific index tests were used in all studies. Exclusion index tests were used in 62% of studies. Twenty index tests were identified. Radiological investigations were reported in 53% of all studies, of which a further 53% reported using two or more radiological investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review has illustrated that studies investigating SIS test for various signs and symptoms, which is in keeping with describing the condition as a 'syndrome'. However, there are inconsistencies in participant selection criteria between health disciplines, highlighting a need for harmonization of the selection criteria in the form of an international editorial consensus.

Physiotherapy for patients with shoulder pain in primary care: a descriptive study of diagnostic- and therapeutic management

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is one of the three main musculoskeletal complaints and more than 50% of the patients have symptoms longer than 6 months. Until now, limited data exist about the content of physiotherapy for patients with shoulder pain in primary care.

OBJECTIVE

Describe current physiotherapeutic diagnostic- and therapeutic management, including the use of diagnostic ultrasound, in patients with shoulder pain in primary care.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective cohort study in primary care physiotherapy with a 12 week follow-up.

METHODS

Descriptive data from physiotherapists was collected, such as: the diagnostic hypotheses after patient history and physical examination, the use of specific tests and diagnostic ultrasound, the interventions used and possible changes in treatment plan.

RESULTS

Subacromial impingement syndrome was the most common hypothesis after patient history (48%) as well as physical examination (39%). Diagnostic ultrasound was used in 31% and of these patients the clinical diagnosis changed in 29%. Various interventions were used in all clinical diagnoses. After 12 weeks 41% of patients still received physiotherapy treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with shoulder pain in physiotherapy practice frequently show signs of subacromial impingement syndrome. The interventions used by the physiotherapists were generally in line with the guideline for subacromial impingement syndrome however a small proportion of physiotherapists used massage and tape/bracing techniques. A large proportion of patients were still receiving treatment after 12 weeks when no improvement was observed. If treatment for patients with subacromial impingement shows no benefit patients should be referred back to the general practitioner or orthopedic surgeon. Conclusions from this study might be slightly biased because of the selection of physiotherapists.

Ultrasound imaging to tailor the treatment of acute shoulder pain: a randomised controlled trial in general practice

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound tailored treatment in patients with acute subacromial disorders.

DESIGN

Pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Dutch general practice.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 18-65 years with acute (duration <3 months) unilateral shoulder pain and no previous treatment, in whom the general practitioner suspected a subacromial disorder was enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent ultrasound imaging of the affected shoulder. Patients who were still symptomatic after a qualification period of 2 weeks with standard treatment were randomised to treatment tailored to ultrasound diagnosis (disclosure of the ultrasound diagnosis) or usual care (non-disclosure of the ultrasound diagnosis).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Patient-perceived recovery using the Global Perceived Effect questionnaire at 1 year.

RESULTS

129 patients were included. 18 patients recovered during the 2-week qualification period, resulting in 111 randomised patients; 56 were allocated to ultrasound tailored treatment and 55 to usual care. After 1 year, no statistically significant differences in recovery were found between the ultrasound tailored treatment group (72.5% (37/51)) and the usual care group (60% (30/50), OR 2.24 (95% CI 0.72 to 6.89; p=0.16)). Also, healthcare use was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown no clinically significant difference in the primary outcome measure between the ultrasound tailored treatment and usual care groups. Furthermore, there was no overall difference in healthcare resources used between groups. Although no formal cost data are included, one can only assume that the ultrasound examinations are additional costs for the intervention group, which cannot be justified in routine practice based on this trial. Based on this study, no change in current pragmatic guidelines to incorporate early ultrasound imaging can be recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR2403; Results.

Myofascial triggerpoint release (MTR) for treating chronic shoulder pain: A novel approach

BACKGROUND

This study comprehensively evaluated a myofascial triggerpoint release (MTR) technique for shoulder pain.

METHODS

Twenty-three (from an initial sample of 25) patients experiencing shoulder pain received MTR, in four 10-min sessions over a period of 2 weeks, applied exclusively on the more painful shoulder, with assessments being recorded both before and after treatment (and for pain at 1 and 13 months). Measures of stiffness and elasticity were collected to monitor the process of therapy, while subjective measures of pain and objective measures of pressure pain thresholds tracked primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes focused on suffering, stress, and quality of life.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease in stiffness and increase in elasticity was observed post intervention for the treated side only, while pressure pain thresholds improved on the untreated side as well. Reports of pain significantly decreased after treatment, with gains being maintained at 1 and 13 months following treatment. Levels of suffering, stress, and quality of life revealed statistically significant improvement as well.

CONCLUSIONS

MTR resulted in clinically significant improvements in the primary measures of pain, objective mechanical tissue properties, and secondary measures in patients with chronic shoulder pain.

Electrotherapy modalities for rotator cuff disease

BACKGROUND

Management of rotator cuff disease may include use of electrotherapy modalities (also known as electrophysical agents), which aim to reduce pain and improve function via an increase in energy (electrical, sound, light, or thermal) into the body. Examples include therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). These modalities are usually delivered as components of a physical therapy intervention. This review is one of a series of reviews that form an update of the Cochrane review, 'Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain'.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesise available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of people with rotator cuff disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (January 1966 to March 2015), Ovid EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2015), CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost, January 1937 to March 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP clinical trials registries up to March 2015, unrestricted by language, and reviewed the reference lists of review articles and retrieved trials, to identify potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, including adults with rotator cuff disease (e.g. subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis, calcific tendinitis), and comparing any electrotherapy modality with placebo, no intervention, a different electrotherapy modality or any other intervention (e.g. glucocorticoid injection). Trials investigating whether electrotherapy modalities were more effective than placebo or no treatment, or were an effective addition to another physical therapy intervention (e.g. manual therapy or exercise) were the main comparisons of interest. Main outcomes of interest were overall pain, function, pain on motion, patient-reported global assessment of treatment success, quality of life and the number of participants experiencing adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted the data, performed a risk of bias assessment and assessed the quality of the body of evidence for the main outcomes using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 47 trials (2388 participants). Most trials (n = 43) included participants with rotator cuff disease without calcification (four trials included people with calcific tendinitis). Sixteen (34%) trials investigated the effect of an electrotherapy modality delivered in isolation. Only 23% were rated at low risk of allocation bias, and 49% were rated at low risk of both performance and detection bias (for self-reported outcomes). The trials were heterogeneous in terms of population, intervention and comparator, so none of the data could be combined in a meta-analysis.In one trial (61 participants; low quality evidence), pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (three to five times a week for six weeks) was compared with placebo (inactive ultrasound therapy) for calcific tendinitis. At six weeks, the mean reduction in overall pain with placebo was -6.3 points on a 52-point scale, and -14.9 points with ultrasound (MD -8.60 points, 95% CI -13.48 to -3.72 points; absolute risk difference 17%, 7% to 26% more). Mean improvement in function with placebo was 3.7 points on a 100-point scale, and 17.8 points with ultrasound (mean difference (MD) 14.10 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.39 to 22.81 points; absolute risk difference 14%, 5% to 23% more). Ninety-one per cent (29/32) of participants reported treatment success with ultrasound compared with 52% (15/29) of participants receiving placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.75, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.53; absolute risk difference 39%, 18% to 60% more). Mean improvement in quality of life with placebo was 0.40 points on a 10-point scale, and 2.60 points with ultrasound (MD 2.20 points, 95% CI 0.91 points to 3.49 points; absolute risk difference 22%, 9% to 35% more). Between-group differences were not important at nine months. No participant reported adverse events.Therapeutic ultrasound produced no clinically important additional benefits when combined with other physical therapy interventions (eight clinically heterogeneous trials, low quality evidence). We are uncertain whether there are differences in patient-important outcomes between ultrasound and other active interventions (manual therapy, acupuncture, glucocorticoid injection, glucocorticoid injection plus oral tolmetin sodium, or exercise) because the quality of evidence is very low. Two placebo-controlled trials reported results favouring LLLT up to three weeks (low quality evidence), however combining LLLT with other physical therapy interventions produced few additional benefits (10 clinically heterogeneous trials, low quality evidence). We are uncertain whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more or less effective than glucocorticoid injection with respect to pain, function, global treatment success and active range of motion because of the very low quality evidence from a single trial. In other single, small trials, no clinically important benefits of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), microcurrent electrical stimulation (MENS), acetic acid iontophoresis and microwave diathermy were observed (low or very low quality evidence).No adverse events of therapeutic ultrasound, LLLT, TENS or microwave diathermy were reported by any participants. Adverse events were not measured in any trials investigating the effects of PEMF, MENS or acetic acid iontophoresis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on low quality evidence, therapeutic ultrasound may have short-term benefits over placebo in people with calcific tendinitis, and LLLT may have short-term benefits over placebo in people with rotator cuff disease. Further high quality placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these results. In contrast, based on low quality evidence, PEMF may not provide clinically relevant benefits over placebo, and therapeutic ultrasound, LLLT and PEMF may not provide additional benefits when combined with other physical therapy interventions. We are uncertain whether TENS is superior to placebo, and whether any electrotherapy modality provides benefits over other active interventions (e.g. glucocorticoid injection) because of the very low quality of the evidence. Practitioners should communicate the uncertainty of these effects and consider other approaches or combinations of treatment. Further trials of electrotherapy modalities for rotator cuff disease should be based upon a strong rationale and consideration of whether or not they would alter the conclusions of this review.

Manual therapy and exercise for rotator cuff disease

BACKGROUND

Management of rotator cuff disease often includes manual therapy and exercise, usually delivered together as components of a physical therapy intervention. This review is one of a series of reviews that form an update of the Cochrane review, 'Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain'.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesise available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of manual therapy and exercise, alone or in combination, for the treatment of people with rotator cuff disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (January 1966 to March 2015), Ovid EMBASE (January 1980 to March 2015), CINAHL Plus (EBSCO, January 1937 to March 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP clinical trials registries up to March 2015, unrestricted by language, and reviewed the reference lists of review articles and retrieved trials, to identify potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised trials, including adults with rotator cuff disease, and comparing any manual therapy or exercise intervention with placebo, no intervention, a different type of manual therapy or exercise or any other intervention (e.g. glucocorticoid injection). Interventions included mobilisation, manipulation and supervised or home exercises. Trials investigating the primary or add-on effect of manual therapy and exercise were the main comparisons of interest. Main outcomes of interest were overall pain, function, pain on motion, patient-reported global assessment of treatment success, quality of life and the number of participants experiencing adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted the data, performed a risk of bias assessment and assessed the quality of the body of evidence for the main outcomes using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 60 trials (3620 participants), although only 10 addressed the main comparisons of interest. Overall risk of bias was low in three, unclear in 14 and high in 43 trials. We were unable to perform any meta-analyses because of clinical heterogeneity or incomplete outcome reporting. One trial compared manual therapy and exercise with placebo (inactive ultrasound therapy) in 120 participants with chronic rotator cuff disease (high quality evidence). At 22 weeks, the mean change in overall pain with placebo was 17.3 points on a 100-point scale, and 24.8 points with manual therapy and exercise (adjusted mean difference (MD) 6.8 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.70 to 14.30 points; absolute risk difference 7%, 1% fewer to 14% more). Mean change in function with placebo was 15.6 points on a 100-point scale, and 22.4 points with manual therapy and exercise (adjusted MD 7.1 points, 95% CI 0.30 to 13.90 points; absolute risk difference 7%, 1% to 14% more). Fifty-seven per cent (31/54) of participants reported treatment success with manual therapy and exercise compared with 41% (24/58) of participants receiving placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.39, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.03; absolute risk difference 16% (2% fewer to 34% more). Thirty-one per cent (17/55) of participants reported adverse events with manual therapy and exercise compared with 8% (5/61) of participants receiving placebo (RR 3.77, 95% CI 1.49 to 9.54; absolute risk difference 23% (9% to 37% more). However adverse events were mild (short-term pain following treatment).Five trials (low quality evidence) found no important differences between manual therapy and exercise compared with glucocorticoid injection with respect to overall pain, function, active shoulder abduction and quality of life from four weeks up to 12 months. However, global treatment success was more common up to 11 weeks in people receiving glucocorticoid injection (low quality evidence). One trial (low quality evidence) showed no important differences between manual therapy and exercise and arthroscopic subacromial decompression with respect to overall pain, function, active range of motion and strength at six and 12 months, or global treatment success at four to eight years. One trial (low quality evidence) found that manual therapy and exercise may not be as effective as acupuncture plus dietary counselling and Phlogenzym supplement with respect to overall pain, function, active shoulder abduction and quality life at 12 weeks. We are uncertain whether manual therapy and exercise improves function more than oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), or whether combining manual therapy and exercise with glucocorticoid injection provides additional benefit in function over glucocorticoid injection alone, because of the very low quality evidence in these two trials.Fifty-two trials investigated effects of manual therapy alone or exercise alone, and the evidence was mostly very low quality. There was little or no difference in patient-important outcomes between manual therapy alone and placebo, no treatment, therapeutic ultrasound and kinesiotaping, although manual therapy alone was less effective than glucocorticoid injection. Exercise alone led to less improvement in overall pain, but not function, when compared with surgical repair for rotator cuff tear. There was little or no difference in patient-important outcomes between exercise alone and placebo, radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment, glucocorticoid injection, arthroscopic subacromial decompression and functional brace. Further, manual therapy or exercise provided few or no additional benefits when combined with other physical therapy interventions, and one type of manual therapy or exercise was rarely more effective than another.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite identifying 60 eligible trials, only one trial compared a combination of manual therapy and exercise reflective of common current practice to placebo. We judged it to be of high quality and found no clinically important differences between groups in any outcome. Effects of manual therapy and exercise may be similar to those of glucocorticoid injection and arthroscopic subacromial decompression, but this is based on low quality evidence. Adverse events associated with manual therapy and exercise are relatively more frequent than placebo but mild in nature. Novel combinations of manual therapy and exercise should be compared with a realistic placebo in future trials. Further trials of manual therapy alone or exercise alone for rotator cuff disease should be based upon a strong rationale and consideration of whether or not they would alter the conclusions of this review.

Evaluation of measurement properties of self-administered PROMs aimed at patients with non-specific shoulder pain and "activity limitations": a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To critically appraise and compare the measurement properties of self-administered patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) focussing on the shoulder, assessing "activity limitations."

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review. The study population had to consist of patients with shoulder pain. We excluded postoperative patients or patients with generic diseases. The methodological quality of the selected studies and the results of the measurement properties were critically appraised and rated using the COSMIN checklist.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 3427 unique hits, 31 articles, evaluating 7 different questionnaires, were included. The SPADI is the most frequently evaluated PROM and its measurement properties seem adequate apart from a lack of information regarding its measurement error and content validity.

CONCLUSION

For English, Norwegian and Turkish users, we recommend to use the SPADI. Dutch users could use either the SDQ or the SST. In German, we recommend the DASH. In Tamil, Slovene, Spanish and the Danish languages, the evaluated PROMs were not yet of acceptable validity. None of these PROMs showed strong positive evidence for all measurement properties. We propose to develop a new shoulder PROM focused on activity limitations, taking new knowledge and techniques into account.

Subacromial shoulder disorders among baggage handlers: an observational cohort study

PURPOSE

To assess the influence of cumulative employment as baggage handler on the risk of incident subacromial shoulder disorders. Baggage handling is characterized by repetitive work primarily consisting of heavy lifting in awkward positions and time pressure.

METHODS

This cohort study is based on the Copenhagen Airport Cohort consisting of unskilled men with employment at Copenhagen Airport and unskilled men with employment in other firms in the Greater Copenhagen area during the period 1990-2012. Only men were included. We followed the cohort in the National Patient Register and Civil Registration System. The primary exposure was cumulative years of employment as a baggage handler, and the primary outcome was diagnoses and surgical treatment of subacromial shoulder disorders.

RESULTS

The cohort contained 3396 baggage handlers and 63,909 workers in the reference group. Baggage handlers with longer cumulative years of employment had higher incidence compared to baggage handlers with shorter employment; for example, baggage handlers with 10-19 years of employment had incidence rate ratio of 2.07 (95 % confidence interval, 1.27-3.38) compared to baggage handlers with less than 3 years of employment. Spline regression showed an increase in incidence within the first few years after employment whereupon the increased risk remained constant for longer employment. Baggage handlers had increased incidence in younger ages than the reference population.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort study, we found increased incidence of subacromial shoulder disorders for workers with longer cumulative years of employment. These results support that long-term lifting in awkward positions and time pressure influences the risk of subacromial shoulder disorders.

Spanish version of SPADI (shoulder pain and disability index) in musculoskeletal shoulder pain: a new 10-items version after confirmatory factor analysis

Background

The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a tool designed to evaluate the impact of shoulder pathology. The aim of this study was to cross culturally adapt a Spanish version of the SPADI for Spanish population with a musculoskeletal shoulder pain, and to determine the psychometric properties of this instrument using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Methods

Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the international guidelines. To assess factor structure, a confirmatory factor analysis was done. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Item-total and inter-item correlations were assessed. Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated to assess the convergent validity between SPADI and quick-DASH.

Results

A new Spanish version of SPADI was achieved. The original SPADI factor structure was tested by CFA, obtaining a poor fit: relative chi-square (χ2/df) 3.16, CFI 0.89, NFI 0.92, and RMSEA 0.10 (90 % CI 0.08 to 0.12). An additional model was tested, after deleting items which have had a poor adjustment in the model (1, 11, and 12), obtaining the best fit: relative chi-square (χ2/df) of 1.94, CFI 0.98, NFI 0.95, GFI 0,95, and RMSEA 0.06 (90 % CI 0.04 to 0.09). The analysis confirmed the bidimensional structure (pain and disability subscales). A correlation Spearman’s Rho coefficient of 0.752 (p < 0.0001) and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.90 were obtained.

Conclusions

This study validated a new 10-items version of SPADI for Spanish population with musculoskeletal shoulder pain providing a patient reported outcome measure that could be used in both clinical practice and research.