Analysis of a article and Paragraph summary on acute shoulder injuries
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The location of the shoulder and its wide range of motion place it at risk for traumatic and nontraumatic injuries to the bony and soft tissue structures. Clavicle and proximal humerus fractures account for 12% and 4% to 6% of frac- tures in adults, respectively.1 Shoulder pain is common and affects 5% to 47% of adults each year.2 Acute shoulder pain lasting less than six months is a common presentation to primary care. The initial approach to acute shoulder inju- ries starts with a comprehensive history to understand the mechanism of injury and a complete shoulder examination to localize the injury.3,4
Initial Evaluation The initial evaluation should include a physical examination of all anatomic aspects of the injured shoulder, including the humerus, clavicle, scapula, soft tissue, and neurovascu- lar structures, and comparison with the uninjured side.5-7 Figure 1 shows the anatomy of the shoulder.8 The acro- mioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and glenohumeral joints articulate with the bony skeleton. The scapulothoracic joint does not articulate directly with the axial skeleton.
Shoulder injuries may occur to the rotator cuff, neurovas- cular structures, and contiguous anatomy, including the glenoid labrum, biceps tendon, and referred pain to the shoulder from the cervical spine. Most of these injuries do not require surgery and can be managed by the family phy- sician. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may be indicated for initial pain management. Table 1 summarizes the evaluation and man- agement of several acute shoulder injuries.9 After history
Acute Shoulder Injuries in Adults Lauren Meryl Simon, MD, MPH, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California; University of California, Riverside, California
Van Nguyen, DO, and Ngozi Margarete Ezinwa, MD, MPH, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
CME This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME. See CME Quiz on page 458.
Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.
Patient information: A handout on this topic is available with the online version of this article.
Acute shoulder pain lasting less than six months is a common presentation to the primary care office. Shoulder injuries can involve any of the four shoulder joints, rotator cuff, neurovascular structures, clavicle or humerus fractures, and contiguous anatomy. Most acute shoulder injuries are the result of a fall or direct trauma in contact and collision sports. The most com- mon shoulder pathologies seen in primary care are acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint disease and rotator cuff injury. It is important to conduct a comprehensive history and physical examination to identify the mechanism of injury, localize the injury, and determine if surgical intervention is needed. Most patients with acute shoulder injuries can be treated con- servatively using a sling for comfort and participating in a targeted musculoskeletal rehabilitation program. Surgery may be considered for treating middle third clavicle fractures and type III acromioclavicular sprains in active individuals, first-time glenohumeral dislocation in young athletes, and those with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Surgery is indicated for types IV, V, and VI acromioclavicular joint injuries or displaced or unstable proximal humerus fractures. Urgent surgical referral is indicated for posterior sternoclavicular dislocations. (Am Fam Physician. 2023; 107(5):503-512. Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians.)
BEST PRACTICES IN ORTHOPEDICS
Recommendations From Choosing Wisely
Recommendation Sponsoring organization
Consider evaluating rotator cuff tears with ultra- sonography before ordering magnetic resonance imaging.
American Medical Soci- ety for Sports Medicine
Avoid routine use of opioids for treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis, low back pain, or rotator cuff injury.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Source: For more information on Choosing Wisely, see https:// www.choosing wisely.org. For supporting citations and to search Choosing Wisely recommendations relevant to primary care, see https:// www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/collections/choosing-wisely.html.
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and physical assessment, plain radiography is the initial imaging modality endorsed by the American College of Radiology.10 Management includes assessing and stabilizing the injury, providing symptom control, allowing time for recovery, and restoring range of motion and function.
Shoulder Joint Injuries ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT
The acromioclavicular joint connects the axial skeleton to the shoulder girdle. It provides rotational and transla- tional movement and is important for static and dynamic stabilization of the shoulder. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament complexes and the joint capsule are static stabilizers that aid in scapular protraction and retraction.11
Acromioclavicular joint injuries are common in men 20 to 49 years of age and are seen in contact sports such as football and hockey.12 Mechanisms of injury include direct contact to the lateral shoulder, a fall onto an outstretched arm, or fall onto the acromion with the arm in an adducted position, which may be seen in cycling.
The Rockwood classification for acromioclavicular joint injuries correlates with the amount and direction of dis- placement of the acromioclavicular joint shown on radiog- raphy with anteroposterior, axillary, and Zanca views and comparing the injured side with the unaffected side. The six types of acromioclavicular joint injuries are noted in Table 2.8,13 Types I and II are treated nonoperatively. Treat- ment is controversial for type III injuries. Studies show that up to 80% of patients will have a good outcome without
FIGURE 1
Shoulder anatomy.
Illustration by Lydia V. Kibiuk
Reprinted with permission from Quillen DM, Wuchner M, Hatch RL. Acute shoulder injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(10): 1948.
Anterolateral view
Scapulothoracic articulation (joint)
Acromion
Glenoid cavity
Scapula
Labrum
Anterior view
Sternoclavicular joint/ligament
Scapula
Sternum
Clavicle Acromioclavicular joint/ligament
Acromion
Glenohumeral joint/ligament (capsule)
Humerus Ill
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surgery; therefore, for most patients, surgical intervention should be considered only after conservative treatment has failed.14,15 Surgical treatment should be considered immedi- ately for type III injuries in physically active patients, such as athletes, military personnel, or manual laborers.13 Types IV through VI require surgical intervention.
STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
Anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation can occur when the arm is pulled posteriorly with force. Treatment is non- operative but may lead to residual prominence of the sterno- clavicular joint. Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation occurs from a compressive anterior force, usually the result of major trauma to the upper, anterior chest. Posterior ster- noclavicular joint dislocation presents with pain, shortness of breath, and hoarseness and can cause compression of the great vessels, trachea, and esophagus. It is considered a med- ical emergency that requires immediate confirmation with computed tomography (CT) and surgical intervention for joint stabilization.
GLENOHUMERAL JOINT
The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint and usually dislocates anteriorly.16 Glenohumeral joint dislocations are usually caused by trauma, falls, and con- tact and collision sports and may be associated with glenoid labral tears, cartilage damage, or bony injuries such as bony Bankart (glenoid cavity of anterior/inferior scapula) or Hill- Sachs (proximal humeral head) deformity. Posterior gle- nohumeral joint dislocation is less common but can occur
when a posterior-directed force is applied to a flexed shoul- der as seen in seizure and electric shock. The subtle presenta- tion can be easily missed.17 Radiography with an axillary or Velpeau orthogonal view should be obtained to avoid missed injuries in the setting of instability.18
Anterior glenohumeral joint dislocations occur when an arm is forced into abduction, external rotation, and hyper- extension. Immediate reduction can often be performed without analgesia. If needed, intra-articular lidocaine is as effective as systemic analgesia or sedation for reduction.19 Multiple methods have been shown to successfully reduce the anteriorly dislocated shoulder (https:// www.youtube. com/ watch? v= HtOnreM7heg), but scapular manipulation has been shown to be superior when systematically com- pared with other techniques.20
Pre- and postreduction axillary nerve function should be assessed by testing sensation to the lateral shoulder and del- toid muscle strength. Plain radiography should be obtained to confirm positioning. Treatment includes the use of a sling for two to four weeks with a graduated rehabilitation of pas- sive and active range of motion. Athletes can return to play when they are pain free with symmetrical shoulder range of motion and able to perform sport-specific motions. This may be as early as two to three weeks after injury.21
Surgical treatment should be considered with first-time anterior shoulder dislocation in active patients younger than 25 years because of the high rate of recurrence (up to 90%) and for dislocations complicated by a large bony Bankart lesion or osseous defect in the glenoid or humeral head.22-26
TABLE 1
Evaluation and Management of Acute Shoulder Injuries
Evaluation and man- agement
Common acute shoulder injuries
Acromioclavicular joint injury
Glenohumeral joint injury Clavicle facture
Proximal humerus fracture Rotator cuff injury
Diagnostic imaging
Anteroposterior, axillary, and Zanca views
Anteroposterior, scapular Y, and axil- lary or Velpeau views
Anteroposterior and serendipity views
Anteroposterior glenoid, scapular Y, and axillary views
Consider ultrasonog- raphy or magnetic resonance imaging
Indications for referral
Rockwood types IV to VI; consider referral for Rockwood type III
Recurrent disloca- tion; young athletes with their first dis- location at younger than 25 years
Displaced or group II fractures; immediate refer- ral for posterior dislocation
Displaced and unstable fractures; consider for active patients
Acute injuries, espe- cially full-thickness tears
Initial man- agement
Sling for comfort Sling for two to four weeks
Sling for two to six weeks
Sling for six to eight weeks
Physical therapy for six weeks
Adapted with permission from Monica J, Vredenburgh Z, Korsh J, et al. Acute shoulder injuries in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2016; 94(2): 121.
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SCAPULOTHORACIC JOINT
The scapulothoracic joint includes the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints, scapulothoracic junction, ante- rior wall of the scapula, and superolateral surface of the tho- racic wall. The scapulothoracic joint is responsible for most of the shoulder’s large range of motion.5 Scapulothoracic joint injury is uncommon, but scapular fractures can occur
with severe trauma.27 Rarely, patients with osteoporosis can sustain a fracture without trauma. Scapular fractures are treated nonoperatively (if the fracture does not include the glenoid), with a sling or shoulder immobilizer for two to four weeks until the acute pain resolves. CT may be needed to diagnose these types of fractures due to difficulty visualizing them with radiography.
TABLE 2
Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Types and Treatment
Rockwood classification Characteristics Treatment
Type I Partial tear of acromioclavicular ligament without radiographic instability
Nonoperative, sling for comfort
Type II Complete tear of acromioclavicular ligament and partial tear of coracoclavicular ligament
Nonoperative, sling for comfort
Type III Compete tear of both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments; vertical and horizontal instability on clinical examination and radiography shows increased coracocla- vicular distance of up to 100% of contralateral acromioclavicular joint
Nonoperative, sling for comfort or consider surgical intervention
continues
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Clavicle Fracture Approximately 2% to 5% of clavicle fractures occur in adults and males younger than 30 years, and people older than 70 years are at highest risk.28 The Allman classification of
clavicle fractures divides the clavicle into three groups based on anatomic fracture location (listed in decreasing order of fracture incidence): group I, middle third; group II, lateral third; and group III, medial third of the clavicle.29,30 Most
TABLE 2 (continued)
Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Types and Treatment
Rockwood classification Characteristics Treatment
Type IV Complete tear of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments; distal clavicle posterior displacement with buttonholing through the trapezius
Surgical intervention
Type V Complete tear of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments; radiography shows 100% to 300% increase of coracocla- vicular distance
Surgical intervention
Type VI Complete tear of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments; distal clavicle inferior displacement under the acromion or coracoid; possible damage to the deltotrape- zial fascia
Surgical intervention
Illustrations by Steve Oh
Adapted with permission from Quillen DM, Wuchner M, Hatch RL. Acute shoulder injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(10): 1952, with additional information from reference 13.
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nondisplaced clavicle fractures are treated with a sling for comfort for two to six weeks.31 Although surgery may be considered for middle third clavicle fractures, nonoper- ative vs. operative management for displaced middle third fractures is controversial.32-34 A previous American Family Physician article provides more information on management of clavicle fractures (https:// www.aafp.org/pubs/ afp/issues/2008/0101/p65.html).
Humeral Head Fracture Proximal humerus fractures account for approximately 6% of adult frac- tures, and they increase in incidence with age and are usually sustained in a fall from standing height.27 Treatment is determined based on the location and degree of displacement of the frac- ture segments using the Neer classifica- tion35 (https:// www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/ images/uploaded/neers_fracture_ class.jpg). It is estimated that 85% of all proximal humerus fractures have min- imal displacement (i.e., less than 1 cm) and minimal angulation (i.e., less than 45 degrees). These fractures are treated
nonoperatively with immobilization or closed reduction fol- lowed by physical therapy for recovery of function. Surgical intervention should be considered for displaced or unstable
A B C
FIGURE 2
Rotator cuff tests. Weakness suggests mechanical injury to the rotator cuff, whereas pain suggests tendinosis or a sprain. (A) Supraspinatus is assessed with the empty can test. Patient elevates arm to 90 degrees of shoulder flexion, internal rotation, and 30 degrees of horizontal abduction with the elbows extended and resists downward force by examiner. (B) Infraspinatus and teres minor are assessed by engaging the muscles in external rotation against resis- tence with the elbow at the patient’s side and flexed 90 degrees. (C) Subscapularis pathology is likely if the patient is unable to reach the dosum of their hand behind their back (internal rotation) at the lumbar spine with attempts to lift off against resistance (lift-off test). The belly press test (not shown) can be used as an alternative to the lift-off test. In this test, the patient places the palm of their hand under the xiphoid process and presses their palm into their abdo- men while the elbow is flexed. A positive belly press test occurs when the arm drops behind the shoulder.
Note: A video that includes the rotator cuff examination is available at https:// stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu/the25/shoulder.html.
Supraspinatus muscle
Infraspinatus muscle
Teres minor muscle
Subscapularis muscle
Posterior view Anterior view
FIGURE 3
Rotator cuff anatomy.
Illustration by Lydia V. Kibiuk
Reprinted with permission from Quillen DM, Wuchner M, Hatch RL. Acute shoulder injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(10): 1953.
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humerus fractures. Consistent evidence from cohort stud- ies shows fewer complications and better or equivalent outcomes with nonoperative vs. surgical management in older patients.36
Rotator Cuff Pathology Rotator cuff injury and tendinopathy account for 65% of all shoulder pain visits.37 The rotator cuff is the major stabilizer of the shoulder and includes the supraspinatus, infraspina- tus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles. Because of its wide range of motion, it is prone to injury from repetitive use, trauma, fracture, or dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. Subacromial bursitis and impingement syndrome are common sources of anterolateral shoulder pain with shoul- der abduction.
The history and physical examination provide infor- mation for the diagnosis and management of rotator cuff injury.3,9,37-40 Figure 2 describes clinical tests for each component of the rotator cuff. Figure 3 shows the rotator cuff anatomy.8
CT, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the rotator cuff.9 CT arthrog- raphy is the most sensitive and specific test for evaluating rotator cuff pathology; however, it is rarely used because it is invasive and involves radiation exposure.3,38,39,41-44 Ultraso- nography has high sensitivity and specificity for identifying full-thickness tears, is comparable to MRI in the hands of a skilled operator,45-47 and has the advantage of dynamic imag- ing compared with CT or MRI.10,37,42,47 Formal or point-of- care ultrasonography can be performed to assess the rotator cuff (Figure 4). The sensitivity and specificity of ultraso- nography and MRI are lower with partial rotator cuff tears compared with complete tears.41-44,48 However, MRI is more sensitive (93%) than ultrasonography (52%) in detecting par- tial tears, if imaging is indicated.49
Young, active patients with acute full-thickness tears have improved outcomes with surgical intervention compared with conservative management.40,45,46 Nonoperative con- servative management for partial tears includes analgesia, physical therapy, and shoulder injections.45,50 Corticosteroid injections, prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, biologics, and ultrasound-guided barbotage (i.e., needling and lavage) have mixed results.45,46,50 Older patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears may have good clinical outcomes with proper reha- bilitation, including anterior deltoid reeducation.51
Neurovascular Pathology BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY
Brachial plexus injuries are a type of cervical neurapraxia that can occur when there is forced compression or stretch- ing of the cervical spine, such as the head rotated and neck
A
FIGURE 4
Point-of-care ultrasonography of supraspinatus ten- don long axis view. (A) Using ultrasonography to view supraspinatus. (B) Using portable handheld ultra- sound device to view supraspinatus. (C) Supraspina- tus tendon long axis seen using ultrasonography.
B
C
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side-bent during a football tackle, causing what is com- monly known as a burner or stinger. Patients usually pres- ent with the affected arm held close to the body or trying to shake out the burning or stinging pain that radiates from the shoulder down the arm in one or more of the C5 through C8 nerve distributions.44,45,52 These symptoms usu- ally resolve spontaneously within a few minutes, with the individual regaining full strength and range of motion. If symptoms persist longer than 24 hours, further cervical assessment is indicated.52
Injuries can occur with traction and compression of the brachial plexus and are seen in hikers and military person- nel carrying a heavy pack for hours (backpacker palsy) and pitchers. Symptoms vary based on the location of the bra- chial plexus injury but are most often associated with motor weakness of the shoulder or upper arm and sometimes with arm or hand paresthesia. Symptoms typically resolve within one year.53 Activity modification and physical therapy can help prevent further compression and accelerate return to function.
Other Pathology EFFORT THROMBOSIS
Vascular events can present as acute shoulder injuries. Pri- mary effort thrombosis is a deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity, and the incidence is 1 to 2 in 100,000 people per year. It is usually seen in healthy, young male athletes,
such as weightlifters or swimmers, or laborers.54 This injury may present with acute axillary or upper arm swelling or pain after a sudden or recurrent upper arm activity that compromises venous outflow and causes a bluish hue to the arm.55 Diagnosis of effort thrombosis is confirmed with Dop- pler ultrasonography or venography and necessitates urgent referral for vascular management with catheter-directed thrombolysis or surgery.56
GLENOID LABRUM
Acute labral tears, such as superior labral anterior to poste- rior lesions, can occur during a fall onto an outstretched arm or with high velocity overhead activities, such as throwing. The O’Brien active compression test (pain against resistance with the shoulder forward flexed 90 degrees, arm adducted 15 degrees, and internally rotated with forearm pronation/ thumb down; Figure 5) has a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing superior labral anterior to posterior lesions.6 Treatment for acute labral tears is physical therapy.
BICEPS TENDON
The long head of the biceps tendon is contiguous to the supe- rior aspect of the glenoid labrum, and injuries commonly occur with tears to the superior labrum or the supraspinatus tendon. Up to 76% of rotator cuff tears are associated with long head of the biceps tendinitis or rupture of the biceps tendon.57 Most long head of the biceps tendon tears and
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Clinical recommendation Evidence
rating Comments
Use plain radiography as the recommended initial imaging modality for traumatic shoulder injuries to rule out fracture.10
C Consistent evidence from cohort studies
Consider surgery in active patients younger than 25 years with anterior shoulder dislocation.23-26
B Consistent evidence from cohort studies showing a lower rate of recurrence after surgery
Encourage nonoperative treatment of proximal humerus fractures in older patients.36
B Consistent evidence from cohort studies showing fewer compli- cations and better or equivalent outcomes compared with surgical management
Use ultrasonography or magnetic reso- nance imaging to detect complete rotator cuff tears. They have similar sensitivity and specificity.37,42,45-47
C Limited evidence from randomized controlled trials showing skilled ultrasonography is equivalent to magnetic resonance imaging in detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears but less accurate at iden- tifying damage to deep structures; magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography are less sensitive for partial tears
A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease- oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go to https:// www.aafp. org/afpsort.
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biceps tendinopathy are treated nonoperatively with phys- ical therapy and activity modification. Tendinopathy treat- ment can also include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections into the biceps tendon sheath. In cases of severe refractory pain, biceps tenodesis or tenot- omy may be considered.58
CERVICAL SPINE
Cervical radiculopathy can refer pain to the shoulder. It is typically from C5, C6, or myelopathy from disk or joint dis- ease or fracture. A complete cervical examination should be included in acute shoulder injury evaluations.
This article updates previous articles on this topic by Monica, et al.,9 and Quillen, et al.8
Data Sources: A Pubmed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key search terms shoulder injuries, biceps tendon, clavicle fractures, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder imaging, epidemiology of shoulder injuries, and brachial plexopathy. The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, randomized clinical trials, and reviews. Essential Evidence Plus, the Cochrane database, and DynaMed were also searched. Search dates: May 2022 and March 2023.
The Authors
LAUREN MERYL SIMON, MD, MPH, is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and director of Primary Care Sports Medicine at Loma Linda (Calif.) University, and a clin- ical professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of California, Riverside.
VAN NGUYEN, DO, is an associate professor in the Depart- ment of Family Medicine at Loma Linda University.
NGOZI MARGARETE EZINWA, MD, MPH, is an assistant pro- fessor in the Department of Family Medicine at Loma Linda University.
Address correspondence to Lauren Meryl Simon, MD, MPH, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 25455 Barton Road Suite 204B, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (email: lsimon@ llu. edu). Reprints are not available from the authors.
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FIGURE 5
The O’Brien active compression test is performed with the shoulder forward, flexed 90 degrees, and arm adducted 15 degrees and internally rotated with fore- arm pronation. The test is positive when pain occurs against resistance with the thumb down but not with the thumb up. A positive test indicates a possible tear of the glenoid labrum.
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