Combining orthopedic special tests to improve diagnosis of shoulder pathology

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Relationship between Work-Related, Lifestyle Factors and Non-Specific Neck and Shoulder Pain in a Southeast Asian Population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-specific neck and shoulder pain (NSNSP) is prevalent among working adults. The increased use of electronic devices and prevalence of remote working and study following the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the potential rise in such conditions. This study aims to investigate the associations between work-related, lifestyle factors and NSNSP in the adult Southeast Asian Singaporean population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was administered electronically to Singaporeans aged 21 and above. Demographic data, NSNSP prevalence, computer and smartphone usage durations, sleep patterns, and exercise frequency were captured after obtaining informed consent (SIT institutional review board approval #2023014).

RESULTS

A total of 302 validated responses were recorded, including 212 suffering from NSNSP versus 90 in the comparison group. The NSNSP group showed significantly longer smartphone usage (5.37 ± 3.50 h/day) compared to the comparison group (4.46 ± 3.36 h/day, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the NSNSP group had lower exercise frequency (2.10 ± 1.74 days/week vs. 2.93 ± 2.21 days/week, p < 0.01) and shorter weekly exercise duration (2.69 ± 3.05 h/week vs. 4.11 ± 4.15 h/week, p < 0.01). The average NSNSP severity in this group was 34.9 ± 19.96 out of 100, correlating significantly with age (r = 0.201, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.27, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary cross-sectional study examines characteristics of adult Southeast Asians with NSNSP post-COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate significantly longer smartphone use and less exercise in NSNSP respondents, with both age and body mass index (BMI) demonstrating significant correlations with NSNSP severity.

To allow or avoid pain during shoulder rehabilitation exercises for patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy-Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (the PASE trial)

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is the most reported shoulder disorder in the general population with highest prevalence in overhead athletes and adult working-age population. A growing body of evidence support exercise therapy as an effective intervention, but to date there are no prospective randomized controlled trials addressing pain as an intervention variable.

METHODS

A single-site, prospective, pragmatic, assessor-blinded randomized controlled superiority trial. Eighty-four patients aged 18-55 years with chronic (symptom duration over 3 months) RC tendinopathy are randomized 1:1 to receive shoulder exercise during which pain is either allowed or avoided. The intervention period lasts 26 weeks. During that period, participants in both groups are offered 8 individual on-site sessions with an assigned sports physiotherapist. Participants perform home exercises and are provided with a pain and exercise logbook and asked to report completed home-based exercise sessions and reasons for not completing sessions (pain or other reasons). Patients are also asked to report load and the number of sets and repetitions per sets for each exercise session. The logbooks are collected continuously throughout the intervention period. The primary and secondary outcomes are obtained at baseline, 6 weeks, 26 weeks, and 1 year after baseline. The primary outcome is patient-reported pain and disability using the Shoulder PAin and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes are patient-reported pain and disability using Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand short-form (Quick DASH), and shoulder pain using Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Objective outcomes are shoulder range of motion, isometric shoulder muscle strength, pain sensitivity, working ability, and structural changes in the supraspinatus tendon and muscle using ultrasound.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will contribute knowledge about the treatment strategies for patients with RC tendinopathy and help physiotherapists in clinical decision-making. This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of allowing pain versus avoiding pain during shoulder exercises in patients with chronic RC tendinopathy. If tolerating pain during and after exercise proves to be effective, it will potentially expand our understanding of "exercising into pain" for this patient group, as there is currently no consensus.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05124769. Registered on August 11, 2021.

Rehabilitation of the painful shoulder

Managing the painful shoulder in overhead athletes can be difficult because of a lack of time-loss injuries in overhead sports and focusing primarily on either pathoanatomic causes or movement impairments. Although managing the painful shoulder can be challenging, the combination of identifying pathoanatomic causes with movement impairments can provide a more focused rehabilitation approach directed at the causes of shoulder pain. Understanding the potential influence of scapular positioning as well as mobility and/or strength impairments on shoulder pain can help clinicians develop more directed rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, sports-specific methods such as long toss or the use of weighted balls for achieving physiological or performance-based gains have limited empirical evidence regarding their clinical and performance-based benefits, which may impede the rehabilitation process. Applying a comprehensive evaluation approach prior to and throughout the treatment process can assist clinicians with selecting the most appropriate treatment based on patient need. Reconsidering traditional treatments based on existing evidence may help refine the treatment process for overhead athletes with shoulder pain.

The shoulder joint complex in the throwing motion

The shoulder joint complex in the overhead athlete is organized to effectively transfer the proximally generated forces distally into the arm. The organization also protects the joints and anatomic structures against the repetitive high velocities, large ranges of motions, and compressive, shear, translational, and distraction loads in the overhead motion while placing the hand in the "launch window." Coupling of the movements of the scapula, clavicle, and humerus results in scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR). Effective SHR requires the clavicle and scapula-and, at times, the mechanically linked claviscapular segment-to move the arm into the task-specific position and motion and requires the humerus to move through the ranges of motion to achieve the specific task in the throwing motion. Alterations in SHR can negatively affect effective shoulder joint complex function in the overhead throwing motion and increase injury risk. There are 4 phases of clavicular, scapular, and claviscapular motion that are coupled with arm motion in SHR. The first 3 phases occur in arm elevation motions from 0°-90° and result in the claviscapula and humerus being placed in task-specific positions. The fourth phase is coupling of claviscapular motion with humeral motion to maintain ball-and-socket kinematics throughout the throwing motion. Alterations in this composite motion are termed "scapular dyskinesis." The dyskinesis is considered an impairment of the efficient mobility of the claviscapular segment of the shoulder complex. The most prevalent problem with scapular dyskinesis is the association of scapular protraction and consequent glenoid antetilt with alterations in humeral rotation and posterior humeral head translation to produce shoulder joint internal impingement. Task effectiveness in overhead throwing is also based on and determined by humeral range of motion, precision of humeral motion, and velocity of humeral motion, as well as humeral and arm position in 3-dimensional space. This activity requires maximum ball-and-socket kinematics to create the highest amount of concavity-compression that creates stability for the joint. There are bony and soft-tissue contributions to this stability. Injuries to the glenoid labrum are among the most common deficits that alter concavity-compression. Clinical evaluation of the shoulder joint complex in the injured throwing athlete should be comprehensive and systematic, following an evaluation pathway for proximal and distal causative factors and including observation of humeral motion. This type of evaluation can result in intervention protocols that address the pathoanatomic, pathophysiological, and pathomechanical deficits identified.

Blood Flow Restriction Training in Nonspecific Shoulder Pain: Study Protocol of a Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial

"Nonspecific shoulder pain" encompasses various non-traumatic musculoskeletal shoulder disorders, diverging from diagnostic terminologies that refer to precise tissue-oriented clinical diagnosis. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, involving partial arterial inflow and complete venous outflow restriction, has exhibited acute hypoalgesic effects primarily in healthy populations by increasing their pain thresholds. This study aims to examine whether a single BFR session with low-load exercises can alleviate pain perception among nonspecific shoulder pain patients. Conducted as a single-blind crossover randomised clinical trial, 48 adults (age range: 18 to 40) presenting with nonspecific shoulder pain will partake in two trial sessions. Random assignment will place participants into BFR or sham BFR groups and ask them to perform one exercise with BFR. Subsequently, participants will complete a shoulder girdle loading regimen comprising six exercises. The second session will involve participants switching treatment groups. Pain pressure thresholds (PPTs), shoulder pain and disability via the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of shoulder external rotators, pain during active abduction, and peak pain during shoulder external rotation will be evaluated using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Immediate post-exercise assessments will include patient-perceived pain changes using the global rating of change scale (GROC) and participant-rated perceived exertion (RPE), employing a modified Borg's scale (Borg CR10) post-BFR or sham BFR exercise session. Each session will encompass three assessment periods, and a combination of mixed-effect models and descriptive statistics will underpin the analysis. This protocol was approved by Cyprus National Bioethics Committee (ΕΕΒΚ/2023/48), and was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: NCT05956288). Conclusion: The anticipated outcomes of this study illuminated the acute effects of BFR training on pain perception within the context of nonspecific shoulder pain, potentially advancing strategies for managing pain intensity using BFR techniques.

"I wanted to know what was hurting so much": a qualitative study exploring patients' expectations and experiences with primary care management

BACKGROUND

The management of shoulder pain is challenging for primary care clinicians considering that 40% of affected individuals remain symptomatic one year after initial consultation. Developing tailored knowledge mobilization interventions founded on evidence-based recommendations while also considering patients' expectations could improve primary care for shoulder pain. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore patients' expectations and experiences of their primary care consultation for shoulder pain.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, participants with shoulder pain and having consulted a primary care clinician in the past year were interviewed. All the semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim, and inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify themes related to the participants' expectations and experiences of primary care consultations for shoulder pain.

RESULTS

Thirteen participants with shoulder pain were interviewed (8 women, 5 men; mean age 50 ± 12 years). Eleven of them initially consulted a family physician or an emergency physician, and two participants initially consulted a physiotherapist. Four overarching themes related to patients' expectations and experiences were identified from our thematic analysis: 1) I can't sleep because of my shoulder; 2) I need to know what is happening with my shoulder; 3) But… we need to really see what is going on to help me!; and 4) Please take some time with me so I can understand what to do!. Several participants waited until they experienced a high level of shoulder pain before making an appointment since they were not confident about what their family physician could do to manage their condition. Although some participants felt that their physician took the time to listen to their concerns, many were dissatisfied with the limited assessment and education provided by the clinician.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing evidence-based recommendations while considering patients' expectations is important as it may improve patients' satisfaction with healthcare. Several participants reported that their expectations were not met, especially when it came to the explanations provided. One unexpected finding that emerged from this study was the waiting period between the onset of shoulder pain and when patients decided to consult their primary care clinician.

Posterior Shoulder Instability in Tennis Players: Aetiology, Classification, Assessment and Management

Background

Micro-traumatic posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is an often missed and misdiagnosed pathology presenting in tennis players. The aetiology of micro-traumatic PSI in tennis players is multifactorial, including congenital factors, loss of strength and motor control, and sport-specific repetitive microtrauma. Repetitive forces placed on the dominant shoulder, particularly combinations of flexion, horizontal adduction, and internal rotation contribute to the microtrauma. These positions are characteristic for kick serves, backhand volleys, and the follow-through phase of forehands and serves. The aim of this clinical commentary is to present an overview of the aetiology, classification, clinical presentation, and treatment of micro-traumatic PSI, with a particular focus on tennis players.

Level of Evidence

5.

Assessing shoulder disability in orthopaedic specialist care: Introducing the Copenhagen Shoulder Abduction Rating (C-SAR)

BACKGROUND

Differences in shoulder-disability among common shoulder-disorders in orthopaedic specialist care is unknown. Furthermore, rating of shoulder-disability using patient-reported outcomes is time-consuming, and a faster approach is needed.

OBJECTIVES

First, compare shoulder-disability among common shoulder-disorders. Secondly, rate shoulder-disability according to the new and quick Copenhagen Shoulder Abduction Rating (C-SAR) and investigate criterion validity of C-SAR.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including 325 consecutive patients with shoulder-disorders in orthopaedic specialist care. We assessed shoulder abduction range-of-motion and pain during testing (NRS:0-10), and shoulder-disability using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) subscales. Patients were sub-grouped using C-SAR, which is based on shoulder abduction range-of-motion and pain during testing: Severe (range-of-motion ≤90°), Medium (range-of-motion >90°, NRS:>5), Mild (range-of-motion >90°, NRS:≤5). Shoulder-disability was compared among diagnostic categories and C-SAR subgroups using ANCOVA-models.

RESULTS

Most patients were diagnosed with either subacromial impingement (n = 211) or full-thickness/complete rotator-cuff tear (n = 18), but adhesive capsulitis (n = 22) was the diagnostic category related to worst SPADI scores. Data for C-SAR subgrouping were available from 187/229 (82%) patients with rotator-cuff related disorders (subacromial impingement or rotator-cuff tears). C-SAR subgrouping was not feasible for patient with adhesive capsulitis or glenohumeral injury. Differences in shoulder-disability between Mild (n = 67) and Medium (n = 56) C-SAR subgroups were large for both SPADI-subscales (ES: 1.0, p < .0001). Only SPADI-function differed significantly between Severe (n = 64) and Medium C-SAR subgroups (ES: 0.4, p = .017).

CONCLUSION

In orthopaedic specialist care, adhesive capsulitis relates to highest level of shoulder-disability, while C-SAR is a promising test to rate shoulder-disability for most patients, namely those with rotator-cuff related disorders.

International physical therapists consensus on clinical descriptors for diagnosing rotator cuff related shoulder pain: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of standardized criteria for diagnosing rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP).

OBJECTIVE

To identify the most relevant clinical descriptors for diagnosing RCRSP.

METHODS

A Delphi study was conducted through use of an international physical therapists expert panel. A 3-round Delphi survey involving an international panel of physical therapists experts with extensive clinical, teaching, and research experience was conducted. A search query was performed in Web of Science, along with a manual search, to find the experts. The first round was composed of items obtained from a previous pilot Delphi study along with new items proposed by the experts. Participants were asked to rate items across six clinical domains using a five-point Likert scale. An Aiken's Validity Index ≥ 0.7 was considered indicative of group consensus.

RESULTS

Fifteen experts participated in the Delphi survey. After the three rounds, consensus was reached on 18 clinical descriptors: 10 items were included in the "subjective examination" domain, 1 item was included in the "patient-reported outcome measures" domain, 3 items in the "diagnostic examination" domain, 2 items in the "physical examination" domain", and 2 items in the "functional tests" domain. No items reached consensus within the "special tests" domain. The reproduction of symptoms in relation to the application of load, the performance of overhead activities, and the need of active and resisted movement assessment were some of the results with greatest consensus.

CONCLUSION

In this Delphi study, a total of 18 clinical descriptors across six clinical domains were agreed upon for diagnosing RCRSP.

Osteoid Osteoma in an Adult Wheelchair Basketball Player Mimicking Musculoskeletal Shoulder Pain: Red Flag or a Red Herring?

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a relatively common, benign bone-forming tumour, which mainly occurs on the long tubular bones of the limbs in adolescents. Usually, the OO is classified based on its localisation. Night-time pain is the major symptom of OO, which is commonly relieved using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while surgery is required only for those patients with severe pain or in case of failure of previous conservative treatments. Our case report describes a 56-year-old male basketball player who self-referred to our outpatient physical therapy with a shoulder pain complaint. Considering the anamnesis and the physical examination, the physical therapist referred the patient to an orthopaedic surgeon, who suggested a detailed imaging investigation. The peculiarity of this clinical case is the overlapping of two clinical presentations: the symptomatology of the OO and the concurrent mechanical disorder due to a rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Comprehensive supervised heavy training program versus home training regimen in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized trial

Background

There is no consensus on the best training regimen for subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Several have been suggested, but never tested.

The purpose of the study is to compare a comprehensive supervised training regimen (STR) based on latest evidence including heavy slow resistance training with a validated home-based regimen (HTR). We hypothesized that the STR would be superior to the HTR.

Methods

Randomised control trial with blinded assessor. 126 consecutive patients with SIS were recruited and equally randomised to 12 weeks of either supervised training regimen (STR), or home-based training regimen (HTR). Primary outcomes were Constant Score (CS) and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) from baseline and 6 months after completed training. Results were analyzed according to intention-to treat principles. The study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration: 07/06/2021. Identification number: NCT04915430.

Results

CS improved by 22.7 points for the STR group and by 23,7 points for the HTR (p = 0.0001). The SRQ improved by 17.7 and 18.1 points for the STR and the HTR groups respectively (p = 0.0001). The inter-group changes were non-significant. All secondary outcomes (passive and active range of motion, pain on impingement test, and resisted muscle tests) improved in both groups, without significant inter-group difference.

Conclusion

We found no significant difference between a comprehensive supervised training regimen including heavy training principles, and a home-based training program in patients with SIS.

Diagnostic Value of Frequently Implemented Provocative Tests in the Assessment of Shoulder Pain-A Glimpse of Current Practice

Initial evaluation of chronic shoulder disability is a diagnostic challenge due to the anatomic complexity of the shoulder joints. For this purpose, several diagnostic tools utilizing provocative testing exist, but only a few have a reliable basis for their diagnostic value. Therefore, objectively determining the predictive value of these tests in identifying the precise anatomical source for disability—subacromial, intraarticular or other—is essential in order to proceed with further imaging evaluations for final objective diagnoses. Using validated clusters of provocative tests should improve their diagnostic values.

The inclusion of mobilisation with movement to a standard exercise programme for patients with rotator cuff related pain: a randomised, placebo-controlled protocol trial

Background

Rotator cuff related pain (RCRP) is one of the most common sources of musculoskeletal shoulder pain affecting the general population. Conservative treatment, in the form of exercise, is considered the first line approach, nonetheless, improvements seem to be modest. One therapeutic modality that might be an adjunct to the treatment of this condition is mobilisation with movement (MWM). MWM is a pain-free manual procedure that targets restricted and painful movements, commonly seen in patients with RCRP. The purpose of clinical trial is to determine whether MWM with exercise has benefits over sham MWM with exercise in RCRP.

Methods

A randomised, sham-controlled trial of 70 adults complaining of RCRP will compare the effects of MWM combined with exercise over sham MWM with exercise. Participants will be allocated to one of two groups: exercise and MWM (EG) or exercise and sham MWM (CG). Two weekly individual treatment sessions will be conducted over five weeks. All assessments will be performed by a blinded assessor. Primary outcome measures will be the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), assessed at baseline, discharge and one-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures will be active range of motion, self-efficacy and the global rating of change scale. The analyses will be conducted considering a statistically significant p-value ≤0.05. Normality will be assessed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and homogeneity with the Levene’s test. For the primary outcome measures (SPADI and NPRS) and self-efficacy, a 2 × 3 ANOVA with treatment group (EG versus CG) and time (baseline, end of the treatment and follow-up) factors will be performed. Separate 2 × 2 ANOVA will be used for range of motion (baseline and end of the treatment). Global rating scale of change analysis will be conducted using descriptive statistics. Intention-to-treat analysis will be adopted.

Discussion

As there is a paucity of longitudinal studies investigating the use of MWM in patients with RCRP, this study will help to better understand its role together with a structured exercise programme.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry number NCT04175184. November, 2019.

Movement Coordination During Humeral Elevation in Individuals With Newly Acquired Spinal Cord Injury

Humeral elevation is a critical motion for individuals who use a manual wheelchair given that, in a typical day, wheelchair users reach overhead 5 times more often than able-bodied controls. Kinematic analyses in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have focused on weight-bearing tasks rather than overhead reaching. This technical report presents shoulder movement coordination during overhead reaching in individuals with newly acquired SCI. Eight volunteers with acute SCI and 8 matched, uninjured controls participated. Three-dimensional kinematics were collected during seated, humeral elevation. Scapular and thoracic rotations during humeral elevation were averaged across repetitions. The linear relationship of scapular upward rotation to humeral elevation provided movement coordination analysis. Maximal elevation was reduced in SCI with increased thoracic kyphosis. Medium to large effect sizes were found at each elevation angle, with reduced scapular external rotation, posterior tilt, and increased thoracic kyphosis for those with SCI. The linear relationship occurred later and within a significantly (P = .02) smaller range of humeral elevation in SCI. Altered movement coordination, including a diminished linear association of scapular upward rotation and humeral elevation (scapulohumeral rhythm), is found with reduced maximal elevation and increased thoracic kyphosis during overhead reaching tasks in those with acute SCI.

Conservative management in a patient with massive rotator cuff tear and rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems affecting people older than 60 years. Among the shoulder pathologies, the disorders of the periarticular soft tissue (e.g. rotator cuff) are considered to be the most common; moreover, these disorders are found in approximately 75% of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of structural rotator cuff tendon pathology, including full-thickness rotator cuff tendon tears, increases with age. Recent researchers suggested that non-operative treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears could be successful in some patients; furthermore, in rheumatoid arthritis patients, there was a greater possibility of developing surgical complications compared with non-rheumatoid arthritis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case report of a woman, 72 years old, with rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder pain and pseudo-paralytic arm presented with a massive tear of Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus tendon. In accordance with evidence, the case was managed using pain education and exercise therapy for 2.5 months. The shoulder pain, the function and the range of motion improved following a physiotherapy program.

CONCLUSION

Pain education in combination with exercise therapy was effective for improving pain and function in a full-thickness tear of Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus tendon in a patient also suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Subacromial impingement syndrome: a survey of Italian physiotherapists and orthopaedics on diagnostic strategies and management modalities

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) represents a common cause of disability in approximately 74% of patients with Shoulder Pain (SP). Even if contemporary research suggests that this mechanism is not (always) the dominant driver in SP, SIS is still a source of debate among scholars and clinicians. From a clinical point of view, evidence has suggested that clinicians can use both medical and physiotherapy approaches as effective methods to treat SIS.This survey aims to investigate models of management of patients with SIS in a sample of Italian physiotherapist specialists (Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists, -OMPTs-) and orthopaedic surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey with 29-item questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge of OMPTs and orthopaedic surgeons about: a) strategies of clinical examination; b) the role of imaging in the diagnostic process; c) the physiotherapy management; and d) the pharmacological and surgical management in patients with SIS.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and twenty-nine respondents completed the survey (511 OMPTs (79.97%) and 128 orthopaedic surgeons (20.03%)). Ninety-two percent (n = 470) of the OMPTs and 80.5% (n = 103) of orthopaedic surgeons stated that in patients with SIS, a combination of diagnostic tests produced better accuracy (p = < 0.001). Twenty point seven % of OMPTs (n = 106) and 4.7% of orthopaedic surgeon (n = 6) stated that the Lift off was the most specific test (p = < 0.001). Four-hundred-and-twenty-four OMPTs (83%) and 40 orthopaedic surgeons (31.3%) answered that the gold standard for diagnosis of a patient with SIS are history and clinical examination (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

OMPTs and orthopaedic surgeons approach patients with SIS differently during both the assessment and the treatment. OMPTs appear to be appropriate in planning and managing clinical examination and therapeutic strategies to use with patients with SIS.

September 2020 Letter to the Editor-in-Chief

Letter to the Editor-in-Chief of JOSPT as follows: "Is It Time to Put Special Tests for Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain Out to Pasture?" with Authors' Response J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(9):533-534. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0203.

Comparison of the accuracy of telehealth examination versus clinical examination in the detection of shoulder pathology

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND

In 2017, the American Orthopaedic Association advocated for the increased use of telehealth as an assessment and treatment platform, and demand has significantly increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Diagnostic effectiveness (also called overall diagnostic accuracy) and reliability of a telehealth clinical examination vs. a traditional shoulder clinical examination (SCE) has not been established. Our objective is to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of a telehealth shoulder examination against an SCE for rotator cuff tear (RCT), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference standard; secondary objectives included assessing agreement between test platforms and validity of individualized tests. We hypothesize that tests provided in a telehealth platform would not have inferior diagnostic effectiveness to an SCE.

METHODS

The study is a case-based, case-control design. Two clinicians selected movement, strength, and special tests for the SCE that are associated with the diagnosis of RCT and identified similar tests to replicate for a simulated telehealth-based examination (STE). Consecutive patients with no prior shoulder surgery or advanced imaging underwent both the SCE and STE in the same visit using 2 separate assessors. We randomized the order of the SCE or STE. A blinded reader assessed an MRI, to be used as a reference standard. We calculated diagnostic effectiveness, which provides values from 0% to 100% as well as agreement statistics (Kappa) between tests by an assessment platform, and sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for individual tests in both SCE and STE. We compared the diagnostic effectiveness (overall) of the SCE and STE with a Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

We included 62 consecutive patients with shoulder pain, aged 40 or older; 50 (81%) received an MRI as a reference standard. The diagnostic effectiveness of stand-alone tests was poor regardless of the group, with the exception of a few tests with high specificity. None had greater than 70% accuracy. There was no significant difference between the overall diagnostic effectiveness of the STE and SCE (P = .98). Overall agreement between the STE tests and the SCE tests ranged from poor to moderate (Kappa, 0.07-0.87).

CONCLUSION

This study identified initial feasibility and noninferiority of the physician-guided, patient-performed STE when compared with an SCE in the detection of RCTs. Although these results are promising, larger studies are needed for further validation of an STE assessment platform.

Evidence-Based Physical Examination for the Diagnosis of Subscapularis Tears: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

There is a renewed interest in diagnosing and treating subscapularis tears, but there is a paucity of clinical guidance to optimize diagnostic decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a literature review to evaluate advanced maneuvers and special tests in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears and create a diagnostic algorithm for subscapularis pathology.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane Reviews databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria consisted of level 1 and 2 studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that focused on physical examination.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

DATA EXTRACTION

Individual test characteristics (bear hug, belly press, lift-off, Napoleon, and internal rotation lag sign) were combined in series and in parallel to maximize clinical sensitivity and specificity for any special test evaluated in at least 2 studies. A secondary analysis utilized subjective pretest probabilities to create a clinical decision tree algorithm and provide posttest probabilities.

RESULTS

A total of 3174 studies were identified, and 5 studies met inclusion criteria. The special test combination of the bear hug and belly press demonstrated the highest positive likelihood ratio (18.29). Overall, 3 special test combinations in series demonstrated a significant impact on posttest probabilities. With parallel testing, the combination of bear hug and belly press had the highest sensitivity (84%) and lowest calculated negative likelihood ratio (0.21).

CONCLUSION

The combined application of the bear hug and belly press physical examination maneuvers is an optimal combination for evaluating subscapularis pathology. Positive findings using this test combination in series with a likely pretest probability yield a 96% posttest probability; whereas, negative findings tested in parallel with an unlikely pretest probability yield a 12% posttest probability.

Shoulder impairment and pain of individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injury compared to uninjured peers

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

Shoulder pain prevalence is high in those with spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with decreased function, participation restrictions and decreased quality of life. Limited evidence exists regarding physical impairments of newly acquired SCI. The current study compared musculoskeletal factors at rehabilitation initiation in individuals with newly acquired SCI to uninjured individuals. We hypothesized no impairment differences of shoulder pain, strength, mobility, muscle extensibility, or rotator cuff integrity would exist between groups.

SETTING

Multi-site laboratory setting.

METHODS

Thirty-five individuals with newly acquired SCI and age and gender-matched controls without SCI (n = 34) participated. Musculoskeletal Pain Survey, shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength, pectoralis minor muscle extensibility (PM) and tissue integrity [Ultrasound Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS)] were obtained.

RESULTS

Higher pain was reported by individuals experiencing new SCI along with lower strength across all bilateral measures, reduced elevation, external rotation, and horizontal adduction ROM, with large effect sizes. PM bilateral extensibility was reduced compared to controls, with moderate between group effect size; however, no USPRS score difference existed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided the first comprehensive clinical description for individuals with newly acquired SCI. In comparison to matched uninjured controls, participants with new SCI reported greater shoulder pain with impairments in mobility, strength, and extensibility. The identified early clinical impairments aligned with progressive impairment including further pain development and persistence. Awareness and modification of these early clinical impairments may lead to improved long-term outcomes, improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with newly acquired SCI.

SPONSORSHIP

Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award under Award No. W81XWH-17-1-0476.

The effect of injection volume on long-term outcomes of US-guided subacromial bursa injections

PURPOSE

Limited data exist on the efficacy of high- compared to low-volume US-guided corticosteroid injections (CI) in the subacromial-subdeltoid (SA-SD) bursa. Our purpose was to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of low- and high-volume injections, by using a capacity reference of SA-SD bursa volume, as assessed on cadaveric specimens.

METHOD

Within two years, 136 patients (63 males, 73 females; mean age: 46.11 ± 10.28 years) who underwent SA-SD bursa US-guided CI for subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy or shoulder overuse were prospectively included. Patients were randomly assigned to low-volume (1 mL triamcinolone acetonide/40 mg) or high-volume (1 mL triamcinolone acetonide/40 mg, 9 mL anaesthetic agents) groups (67 and 69 patients, respectively). Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) were recorded at baseline, 30 min, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Predictors of complete recovery (VAS ≤ 2) at 1 year were analysed with multivariate Cox regression analysis. SA-SD bursa cadaveric dissection in 10 specimens was performed for volume assessment.

RESULTS

Injection volume was the only predictor of complete pain resolution at 1 year. High-volume CI yielded higher chances of early pain recovery (2.837 HR, 95% CI 1.737-4.633, P < .001). Mean VAS scores at baseline and subsequent time-points were 6, 2.6, 2.2, 2, 1.6 and 1 for the high-volume and 7.8, 7.3, 4.7, 3.2, 2.5 and 1.8 for the low-volume group, respectively (P < .001, at all time-points). Cadaveric measurements showed a minimum SA-SD bursa volume of approximately 6.9 mL.

CONCLUSIONS

High-compared to low-volume US-guided CI are superior for achieving early pain recovery.

International consensus on the most useful assessments used by physical therapists to evaluate patients with temporomandibular disorders: A Delphi study

OBJECTIVE

To identify assessment tools used to evaluate patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) considered to be clinically most useful by a panel of international experts in TMD physical therapy (PT).

METHODS

A Delphi survey method administered to a panel of international experts in TMD PT was conducted over three rounds from October 2017 to June 2018. The initial contact was made by email. Participation was voluntary. An e-survey, according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES), was posted using SurveyMonkey for each round. Percentages of responses were analysed for each question from each round of the Delphi survey administrations.

RESULTS

Twenty-three experts (completion rate: 23/25) completed all three rounds of the survey for three clinical test categories: 1) questionnaires, 2) pain screening tools and 3) physical examination tests. The following was the consensus-based decision regarding the identification of the clinically most useful assessments. (1) Four of 9 questionnaires were identified: Jaw Functional Limitation (JFL-8), Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular disorders (TSK/TMD) and the neck disability index (NDI). (2) Three of 8 identified pain screening tests: visual analog scale (VAS), numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and pain during mandibular movements. (3) Eight of 18 identified physical examination tests: physiological temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements, trigger point (TrP) palpation of the masticatory muscles, TrP palpation away from the masticatory system, accessory movements, articular palpation, noise detection during movement, manual screening of the cervical spine and the Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance Test.

CONCLUSION

After three rounds in this Delphi survey, the results of the most used assessment tools by TMD PT experts were established. They proved to be founded on test construct, test psychometric properties (reliability/validity) and expert preference for test clusters. A concordance with the screening tools of the diagnostic criteria of TMD consortium was noted. Findings may be used to guide policymaking purposes and future diagnostic research.

It Is Time to Put Special Tests for Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain out to Pasture

"Special tests" for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) have passed their sell-by date. In this Viewpoint, we outline fundamental flaws in the validity of these tests and their proposed ability to accurately identify a pathoanatomical source of pain. The potential harm of these special tests comes in conjunction with imaging findings that are utilized to inform a structural diagnosis or recommend invasive procedures. We offer recommendations for performing a clinical interview and physical examination for people with RCRSP that does not include shoulder orthopaedic tests. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(5):222-225. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0606.

Common Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Elderly: The Star Triad

Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that significantly impair the state of health, especially in elderly subjects. A pathological triad of inter-related disorders that are highly prevalent in the elderly consists of the following main “components”: sarcopenia, tendinopathies, and arthritis. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the literature relative to the different disorders of this triad, in order to highlight the pathophysiological common denominator and propose strategies for personalized clinical management of patients presenting with this combination of musculoskeletal disorders. Their pathophysiological common denominator is represented by progressive loss of (focal or generalized) neuromuscular performance with a risk of adverse outcomes such as pain, mobility disorders, increased risk of falls and fractures, and impaired ability or disability to perform activities of daily living. The precise management of these disorders requires not only the use of available tools and recently proposed operational definitions, but also the development of new tools and approaches for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of the three disorders and their combination.

Associations between shoulder symptoms and concomitant pathology in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears

Background

The association between concomitant pathologic characteristics and preoperative symptoms in patients identified as eligible for surgical rotator cuff repair has been sparsely evaluated. The purpose was to explore the associations between preoperative shoulder symptoms and additional structural pathology or injuries identified during surgery in patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study including patients with traumatic supraspinatus tears. Preoperatively, patients reported pain and disability using a numeric pain rating scale from 0 to 10 and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. During surgery, the presence of prespecified structural injuries and pathologies including a full-thickness or partial supraspinatus tear, infraspinatus tear, subscapularis tear, hooked acromion, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, biceps tendon pathology, labral tear, and cartilage lesion was recorded. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to assess associations.

Results

A total of 87 patients (52 male patients, 60%) were included (mean age, 60 years; standard deviation, 9.2 years). Of these patients, 69 (79%) had a full-thickness supraspinatus tear and 18 (21%) had a partial-thickness tear. Concomitant structural pathology was found in 79 patients (91%). No association was found between the number of structural shoulder pathologies and preoperative numeric pain rating scale or Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index score, and no particular concomitant pathology was associated with worse patient-reported symptoms.

Conclusion

Pathology of the infraspinatus and subscapularis and other structural joint pathologies concomitant with supraspinatus tears were not correlated with preoperative self-reported pain and disability in patients scheduled to undergo rotator cuff surgery, suggesting that concomitant pathology adds little to the symptoms in patients with a traumatic supraspinatus tear.

Ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of shoulder joint pathologies in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that has a great impact on different joints, may result in their destruction and loss of function. Although the shoulder is affected in a large portion of patients with RA, it does not receive much attention during the follow up of RA. The precise diagnosis of shoulder pain in RA is a clinical challenge and benefits from a reliable imaging modality to detect its exact origin.

AIM

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) in detecting shoulder joint pathologies in RA, considering magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on 30 RA patients complaining of unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain. Patients were subjected to history taking, clinical shoulder examination, plain X-ray, US examination following a standardized protocol, and MRI. The results were correlated with each other.

RESULTS

In comparison with the MRI findings, US showed high accuracy in terms of sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) in supraspinatus tendinopathy (Sn 96.6%; Sp 93.3%), biceps tenosynovitis (Sn 87.5%; Sp 97.6%), subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis (Sn 72.7%; Sp 95.7%), humeral erosions (Sn 90.5%; Sp 97.3%), and acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (Sn 85.7%; Sp 95.7%). In terms of reliability, the agreement between US and MRI was almost perfect (κ = .9, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

US may have a role as the initial imaging modality in RA patients with shoulder pain, as it is highly sensitive and specific in detecting different pathological abnormalities of the shoulder.

Quantifying regeneration in patients following peripheral nerve injury

Healthy nerve function provides humans with the control of movement; sensation (such as pain, touch and temperature) and the quality of skin, hair and nails. Injury to this complex system creates a deficit in function, which is slow to recover, and rarely, if ever, returns to what patients consider to be normal. Despite promising results in pre-clinical animal experimentation effective translation is challenged by a current inability to quantify nerve regeneration in human subjects and relate this to measurable and responsible clinical outcomes. In animal models, muscle and nerve tissue samples can be harvested following experimental intervention. This allows direct quantification of muscle mass and quality and quantity of regeneration of axons; such an approach is not applicable in human medicine as it would ensure a significant functional deficit. Nevertheless a greater understanding of this process would allow the relationship that exists between neural and neuromuscular regeneration and functional outcome to be more clearly understood. This article presents a combined commentary of current practice from a specialist clinical unit and research team with regard to laboratory and clinical quantification of nerve regeneration. We highlight how electrophysiological diagnostic methods (which are used with significant recognised limitations in the assessment of clinical medicine) can potentially be used with more validity to interpret and assess the processes of neural regeneration in the clinical context, thus throwing light on the factors at play in translating lab advances into the clinic.

The Comparative Effects of Upper Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation Techniques in Individuals With Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) accounts for as much as 44% of shoulder pain encountered by physical therapists. Thoracic spine thrust manipulation (TSTM) is effective in the short term for improving pain and function in individuals with SPS, but its mechanisms remain elusive. Furthermore, it is unknown whether individuals with SPS respond differently based on the TSTM technique received.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the immediate effects of a supine TSTM, seated TSTM, and sham manipulation on the primary outcomes of self-reported pain, function, and satisfaction and secondary biomechanical impairments examined in individuals with SPS.

METHODS

Participants in this randomized clinical trial were randomized to receive a seated TSTM (n = 20), supine TSTM (n = 20), or sham manipulation (n = 20). The primary outcomes of self-reported pain, function, and satisfaction were measured via the Penn Shoulder Score. Secondary outcomes were changes in scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt; peak force generated in tests for the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior; and pectoralis minor muscle length. Impairment measures were immediately reassessed, and the Penn Shoulder Score was reassessed after 48 hours.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences in immediate or short-term follow-up outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Two TSTM techniques resulted in no differences in pain, satisfaction, and function when compared to a sham manipulation. Thoracic spine thrust manipulation did not have an immediate effect on the scapular impairments examined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapy, level 1. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(10):716-724. Epub 12 Mar 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8484.

Rotator CUFF disorders: A survey of current physiotherapy practice in Belgium and the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Disorders of the rotator cuff are a common musculoskeletal pain presentation in the general population, and treatment by a physiotherapist is often prescribed. In 2011, 2016, surveys of physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom (UK) were performed, which reported that advice and exercise were the most common treatment strategies used. The aim of this current survey was to examine current physiotherapy practice in Belgium and The Netherlands, with consideration of differences between physiotherapists who were members of a shoulder network and physiotherapists who were not.

METHODS

During February/March 2018, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Belgium and The Netherlands.

RESULTS

505 physiotherapists completed the survey. Advice (n = 362/505), isotonic exercises (n = 302/505) and scapular stabilisation exercises (n = 359/505) were the most common treatment modalities for patients with rotator cuff disorders. Physiotherapists not part of a shoulder network group more commonly integrated mobilization (n = 66/254 SN, n = 125/251 N-SN), electrotherapy (n = 1/254 SN, n = 19/251 N-SN) and massage (n = 48/254 SN, n = 89/251 N-SN) compared to those who were member of the group.

CONCLUSION

Advice and exercise were the most common treatment prescriptions, which aligns with recommendations from current research evidence. Practice differs between physiotherapists involved with a shoulder network group compared to those who are not.

Diagnostic utility of the Active Compression Test for the superior labrum anterior posterior tear: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Active Compression Test has been proposed to have high diagnostic accuracy for superior labrum anterior to posterior tears. The aim of this systematic review was to compile the available evidence for this test and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and SCOPUS were searched for case control, diagnostic studies that evaluated the Active Compression Test between 1999 (date of test introduction) and February 2018. Two independent review authors screened the search results, assessed the risk of bias using QUADAS-2, and extracted the data.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (pooled sample = 3091) were included in this review. Twelve out of 18 studies either had high or unclear risk of bias (66.6%). Results from the pooled analysis of all 18 studies provided that the Active Compression Test is more sensitive (71.5: 95% CI = 68.8, 74.0) than specific (51.9: 95% CI = 50.7, 53.1) and only marginally influenced posttest probability from a pretest probability of 31.7-40.72% with a positive finding and a pretest probability of 31.7-20.33% with a negative finding.

DISCUSSION

The Active Compression Test has both limited screening and confirmation ability; therefore, we do not advocate for its use in clinical decision making.

Interrater agreement and reliability of clinical tests for assessment of patients with shoulder pain in primary care

Background: There is limited information about the agreement and reliability of clinical shoulder tests. Objectives: To assess the interrater agreement and reliability of clinical shoulder tests in patients with shoulder pain treated in primary care. Methods: Patients with a primary report of shoulder pain underwent a set of 21 clinical shoulder tests twice on the same day, by pairs of independent physical therapists. The outcome parameters were observed and specific interrater agreement for positive and negative scores, and interrater reliability (Cohen's kappa (κ)). Positive and negative interrater agreement values of ≥0.75 were regarded as sufficient for clinical use. For Cohen's κ, the following classification was used: <0.20 poor, 0.21-0.40 fair, 0.41-0.60 moderate, 0.61-0.80 good, 0.81-1.00 very good reliability. Participating clinics were randomized in two groups; with or without a brief practical session on how to conduct the tests. Results: A total of 113 patients were assessed in 12 physical therapy practices by 36 physical therapists. Positive and negative interrater agreement values were both sufficient for 1 test (the Full Can Test), neither sufficient for 5 tests, and only sufficient for either positive or negative agreement for 15 tests. Interrater reliability was fair for 11 tests, moderate for 9 tests, and good for 1 test (the Full Can Test). An additional brief practical session did not result in better agreement or reliability. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that interrater agreement and reliability for most shoulder tests is questionable and their value in clinical practice limited.

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.

Perspectives of participants with rotator cuff-related pain to a neuroscience-informed pain education session: an exploratory mixed method study

Purpose: To explore perceptions and initial outcomes of patients with rotator cuff-related pain to a pain education session.Materials and Methods: Ten individuals with persistent rotator cuff-related pain (≥3 months duration) attended an individual pain education session. They completed patient-reported outcomes measures on a weekly basis, three weeks prior and three weeks following the session. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted three weeks following the pain education. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the General Inductive Approach.Results: There were two over-arching key themes: firstly, 'Participants' Perspectives' of the session generated four themes: Improved understanding of 'the whole'; Mindful self-awareness; Taking charge; "The pain is still there". Their understanding of pain was reconceptualised, evident by their ability to describe the role of neurophysiological mechanisms, stress and general well-being towards their pain. The second over-arching key theme, 'Participants' Recommendations', had two themes: Integrating neuroscience with pathoanatomical knowledge and Educating other health professionals. Pain levels decreased post-pain education compared to pre-pain education.Conclusions: Following the pain education session, participants had greater understanding of factors influencing their shoulder pain. Pain education, in addition to pathoanatomical information may be useful as part of treatment for persistent rotator cuff-related pain.

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.

Case-oriented selection of investigation methods in direct access: A comparison between physiotherapy trainees at professional colleges and in bachelor's study courses

Objective: Direct access to physiotherapy services is currently discussed in Germany. Its introduction would mean that initial diagnoses must be made in physiotherapy practices as well. However, it was not yet investigated whether the current training in physiotherapy is sufficient for this, and whether there are differences between the training systems. This study aims to answer the question of whether trainees at the end of Bachelor's studies (BS) are more reliably able to assess the case-related suitability of examination methods than professional college students (FS). Methodology: Questionnaires were developed to assess the suitability of examination methods for diagnostic inquiries. All professional colleges and bachelor's study courses listed with the German Physiotherapy Association were asked to present the questionnaires to their final classes. Results: In 216 addressed professional colleges and 24 bachelor's study courses, the return rate was 9.26% for professional colleges and 33.33% for study courses. One hundred thirty-eight questionnaires from students in 8 study courses and 368 questionnaires from students at 20 professional colleges were evaluated. The mean of correct decisions in total (of max. 54) was 19.01 (BS) or 15.73 (FS); in structure-related and function-related examination methods (of max. 42), it was 17.22 (BS) and 14.8 (FS); in activity-related methods (of max. 12), it was 1.97 (BS) and 0.89 (FS). Out of a max. of 49 examination methods, 23.45 (BS) and 26.72 (FS) were stated as unknown. Conclusion: The university students made correct decisions on the suitability of examination methods significantly more frequently than the professional college students. However, the determined group difference is low. Overall, the results do not appear sufficient for direct access. Training would have to be adapted for this purpose.

A comparison of isometric, isotonic concentric and isotonic eccentric exercises in the physiotherapy management of subacromial pain syndrome/rotator cuff tendinopathy: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

Background

Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) involving rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Evidence suggests that structured physiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in this condition with significant improvements demonstrated in trials involving scapular retraining, rotator cuff strengthening and flexibility exercises. Most published programs typically utilise isotonic concentric and/or eccentric strengthening modes. Recently, immediate analgesic effects and muscle strength gains following heavy-load isometric exercises in lower limb tendinopathy conditions have been observed. It is pertinent to ascertain whether such outcomes can be replicated in SPS/rotator cuff tendinopathy. The primary aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) that compares the effects of isometric, isotonic concentric and isotonic eccentric rotator cuff contractions when used as part of a semi-standardised exercise-based physiotherapy program in patients diagnosed with SPS. The secondary aim is to explore potential trends or treatment effects of the exercise intervention.

Methods

Thirty-six participants diagnosed with SPS will be randomised to one of three intervention groups and undergo a one-on-one exercise-based physiotherapy intervention, involving scapular and rotator cuff muscle retraining and strengthening. Each group will utilise a different mode of rotator cuff strengthening—isometric, isotonic concentric or isotonic eccentric. Rotator cuff tendon responses to isometric loading are not yet established in the literature; hence, individualised, progressive loading will be used in this pilot study in accordance with symptoms. The intervention will involve two phases: during Phase 1 (weeks 1–6) participants undertake the active group-specific physiotherapy treatment; in Phase 2 (weeks 6–12), they undertake a progressive, but no longer group-specific exercise program. To determine feasibility, an evaluation of key study parameters including (a) ease of recruitment (rate and number as well as suitability of the assessment algorithm), (b) adherence to all phases of the exercise intervention including home program compliance and logbook completion, (c) participant non-completion (drop out number and rate) and (d) adverse events (nature and number) will be undertaken. Secondary outcomes will measure immediate effects: (i) within-treatment changes in pain perception (verbal rating scale (VRS) and shoulder muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer) as well as longer-term changes: (ii) shoulder-related symptoms and disability (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)), (iii) perception of pain (11-point numerical rating scale (NRS), (iv) shoulder muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer) and (v) perceived global rating of change score. The immediate within-treatment assessment of pain and muscle strength will be undertaken in treatments 2 and 3, and the longer term measures will be collected at the primary (conclusion of Phase 1 at 6 weeks) and secondary (conclusion of Phase 2 at 12 weeks) end-points of the study.

Discussion

The findings of this pilot study will permit evaluation of this study design for a full-scale RCT.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616001676404

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40814-017-0190-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A practical, evidence-based, comprehensive (PEC) physical examination for diagnosing pathology of the long head of the biceps

BACKGROUND

Clinical examination of the shoulder joint has gained attention as clinicians aim to use an evidence-based examination of the biceps tendon, with the desire for a proper diagnosis while minimizing costly imaging procedures. The purpose of this study is to create a decision tree analysis that enables the development of a clinical algorithm for diagnosing long head of biceps (LHB) pathology.

METHODS

A literature review of Level I and II diagnostic studies was conducted to extract characteristics of clinical tests for LHB pathology through a systematic review of PubMed, Medline, Ovid, and Cochrane Review databases. Tests were combined in series and parallel to determine sensitivities and specificities, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined for each combination using a subjective pretest probability. The "gold standard" for diagnosis in all included studies was arthroscopy or arthrotomy.

RESULTS

The optimal testing modality was use of the uppercut test combined with the tenderness to palpation of the biceps tendon test. This combination achieved a sensitivity of 88.4% when performed in parallel and a specificity of 93.8% when performed in series. These tests used in combination optimize post-test probability accuracy greater than any single individual test.

CONCLUSION

Performing the uppercut test and biceps groove tenderness to palpation test together has the highest sensitivity and specificity of known physical examinations maneuvers to aid in the diagnosis of LHB pathology compared with diagnostic arthroscopy (practical, evidence-based, comprehensive examination). A decision tree analysis aides in the practical, evidence-based, comprehensive examination diagnostic accuracy post-testing based on the ordinal scale pretest probability.

Rotator cuff-related pain: Patients' understanding and experiences

BACKGROUND

Persistent musculoskeletal pain is a multi-factorial entity, influenced by biological, genetic and psychosocial factors. Psychosocial factors, such as individuals' beliefs and experiences, need to be considered in the management of such pain. While extensive research has explored beliefs of individuals with spinal pain, less is known about individuals' beliefs regarding shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVES

To explore beliefs about the cause of pain in individuals with persistent rotator cuff-related pain, as well as the experiences of the effect of pain on their daily lives.

DESIGN

A mixed methods design, using semi-structured interviews and validated outcome questionnaires.

METHOD

Five men and five women, aged 47-68 years, with shoulder pain for at least three months were recruited. Individual semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the general inductive approach.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

Four key themes emerged. The cause of pain, 'Understanding the pain', was described in terms of anatomical factors within the context of the participants' lives. The pain impacted all areas of life, creating another theme, 'It affects everything'. Participants responded to their pain by adopting certain, 'Pain-associated behaviours' and sought information for diagnosis, general management and exercise prescription, 'Emotional responses and the future'.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants with rotator cuff-related pain believed the cause of their pain to be local to the shoulder region. However, they also described various stressors in their work-, sports- and family-related lives. Rehabilitation may need to include educating the individual, expanding their understanding regarding pain mechanisms and appropriate interventions, based on individual goal-setting.

Management of shoulder pain by UK general practitioners (GPs): a national survey

OBJECTIVES

Studies in Canada, the USA and Australia suggested low confidence among general practitioners (GPs) in diagnosing and managing shoulder pain, with frequent use of investigations. There are no comparable studies in the UK; our objective was to describe the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain by GPs in the UK.

METHODS

A national survey of a random sample of 5000 UK GPs collected data on shoulder pain diagnosis and management using two clinical vignettes that described primary care presentations with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) and adhesive capsulitis (AdhC).

RESULTS

Seven hundred and fourteen (14.7%) responses were received. 56% and 83% of GPs were confident in their diagnosis of RCT and AdhC, respectively, and a wide range of investigations and management options were reported. For the RCT presentation, plain radiographs of the shoulder were most common (60%), followed by blood tests (42%) and ultrasound scans (USS) (38%). 19% of those who recommended a radiograph and 76% of those who recommended a USS did so 'to confirm the diagnosis'. For the AdhC presentation, the most common investigations were blood tests (60%), plain shoulder radiographs (58%) and USS (31%). More than two-thirds of those recommending a USS did so 'to confirm the diagnosis'. The most commonly recommended treatment for both presentations was physiotherapy (RCT 77%, AdhC 71%) followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (RCT 58%, AdhC 74%). 17% opted to refer the RCT to secondary care (most often musculoskeletal interface service), compared with 31% for the AdhC.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey of GPs in the UK highlights reliance on radiographs and blood tests in the management of common shoulder pain presentations. GPs report referring more than 7 out of 10 patients with RCT and AdhC to physiotherapists. These findings need to be viewed in the context of low response to the survey and, therefore, potential non-response bias.

Physical examination of the elbow, what is the evidence? A systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Primary to provide an overview of diagnostic accuracy for clinical tests for common elbow (sport) injuries, secondary accompanied by reproducible instructions to perform these tests.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included studies reporting diagnostic accuracy and a description on the performance for elbow tests, targeting the following conditions: distal biceps rupture, triceps rupture, posteromedial impingement, medial collateral ligament (MCL) insufficiency, posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), lateral epicondylitis and medial epicondylitis. After identifying the articles, the methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 checklist.

RESULTS

Our primary literature search yielded 1144 hits. After assessment 10 articles were included: six for distal biceps rupture, one for MCL insufficiency, two for PLRI and one for lateral epicondylitis. No articles were selected for triceps rupture, posteromedial impingement and medial epicondylitis. Quality assessment showed high or unclear risk of bias in nine studies. We described 24 test procedures of which 14 tests contained data on diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous clinical tests for the elbow were described in literature, seldom accompanied with data on diagnostic accuracy. None of the described tests can provide adequate certainty to rule in or rule out a disease based on sufficient diagnostic accuracy.

A protocol for a new methodological model for work-related shoulder complex injuries: From diagnosis to rehabilitation

Background

Work-related injuries of the shoulder complex represent a challenge for clinicians because of the large variety of clinical entities involved and the broad anatomic structures that can be affected. Furthermore, commonly performed orthopedic tests have demonstrated limited accuracy for diagnosing the injury despite considerable research efforts. The aim of this study protocol is therefore to describe a comprehensive approach integrating both a clinical- and functional status-based pathology and an adapted rehabilitation prescription.

Methods/Design

A longitudinal cohort study will be performed at the Department of Rehabilitation and Medical Assistance of a mutual insurance society for work-related injury management in Spain (Mutua Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra Spain). Patients will be attended by an occupational physician who specializes in work-related injuries and is part of the project team that will systematically visit all the participants. After the medical diagnosis and any requested supplementary evaluations (i.e., radiological examinations), the patients will be referred to the rehabilitation service. Before the physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program is initiated, the patients will undergo a comprehensive functional screening at the biomechanics laboratory. Using a decision-making scheme, the identified functional deficits will be used to customize the individual rehabilitation plan.

Discussion

The proposed objective criteria-based shoulder diagnosis and rehabilitation model could be a new effective strategy for minimizing the time required to regain functional capacity and recover from symptoms among patients with work-related shoulder injuries.

Trial registration

The study protocol has been registered on Clinical Trials.gov as NCT02732002 (April 10^th 2016).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1435-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inter-rater reliability of the Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure in people with shoulder pain

Background

Musculoskeletal conditions involving the shoulder are common and, because of the importance of the upper limb and hand in daily function, symptoms in this region are commonly associated with functional impairment in athletic and non-athletic populations. Deriving a definitive diagnosis as to the cause of shoulder symptoms is fraught with difficulty. Limitations have been recognised for imaging and for orthopaedic special tests. 1 solution is to partially base management on the response to tests aimed at reducing the severity of the patient's perception of symptoms. 1 (of many) such tests is the Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure (SSMP). The reliability of this procedure is unknown.

Methods

37 clinician participants independently watched the videos of 11 patient participants undergoing the SSMP and recorded each patient's response as improved (partially or completely), no change or worse. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by Krippendorff's α, which ranges from 0 to 1.

Results

Krippendorff's α was found to range from 0.762 to 1.000, indicating moderate to substantial reliability. In addition, short (3-hour) and longer (1-day) durations of training were associated with similar levels of reliability across the techniques.

Conclusions

Deriving a definitive structural diagnosis for a person presenting with a musculoskeletal condition involving the shoulder is difficult. The findings of the present study suggest that the SSMP demonstrates a high level of reliability. More research is needed to better understand the relevance of such procedures.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN95412360.

Does physiotherapy diagnosis of shoulder pathology compare to arthroscopic findings?

AIMS

To explore the ability of a physiotherapist, using a standardised musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment protocol, to accurately identify the structures potentially responsible for shoulder symptoms against a standardised arthroscopic shoulder diagnostic assessment, and to determine the physiotherapists' ability to influence post-test diagnostic accuracy.

STUDY DESIGN

Consecutive case-based cohort study.

SUBJECT SELECTION

All participants were selected by two orthopaedic surgeons for arthroscopic investigation during a 6-month period.

SETTING

Private orthopaedic clinic.

METHOD

All consenting participants selected for arthroscopic investigation were examined by the physiotherapist prior to arthroscopy. Presence and priority of impairments/diagnoses were recorded on a standardised form. Inter and intra-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy were tabulated.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Proportional agreement on diagnostic incidence (broad) and priority (strict) using 2×2 contingency tables for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. Post-test probabilities were analysed to determine the influence of a positive or a negative finding.

RESULTS

211 participants, aged 14-79 years were included. Overall prevalence of subacromial pathology was (77%) and, disorders of the passive restraints (29%). For both negative and positive findings, post-test probabilities were not notably altered; although positive findings yielded greater value in the decision-making modelling. The physiotherapist's ability to identify individual pathology (eg, tendon rupture vs tendinopathy, capsular vs labral) was lower than recognition of pathology within the broader diagnostic category.

CONCLUSIONS

The physiotherapist's ability to diagnose individual pathologies was inconsistent. Indirectly, this raises the issue of whether signs and symptoms identified under arthroscopic surgery are reflective of a lesion/pathology reflective of a specific tissue.