Shoulder and Elbow

Evaluation of the Stiff Shoulder

Last Updated: Monday, February 4, 2013

Evaluation of the Stiff Shoulder

 The normal shoulder is the most moveable joint in the body. It enables us to put our hand in a wide range of positions for example reaching over head reaching cross the body reaching up the back and rotating out to the side. These motions are accomplished by motion between the humerus (arm bone) and scapula (shoulder blade) as well as between the scapula and the chest wall. These motions are called humeroscapular and scapulothoracic motions.

Effectiveness of Glenohumeral Arthroplasty

Last Updated: Thursday,  January 27 2005 

We have implemented a system which we call "Carolina Codman which relies on self-assessment by the shoulder patient. It includes: self-assessment of function: The Simple Shoulder Test and self-assessment of health status: The SF 36. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of shoulder arthroplasty in defined circumstances. The following is a more formal paper describing some early results with this method.

Diagnosis of Subacromial Abrasion

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of subacromial abrasion are:

A. History

  1. Limited function with arm in intermediate positions of elevation

B. Physical examination

  1. Subacromial crepitance which reproduces the function-limiting symptoms" particularly on rotation of the humerus with the arm in intermediate positions of elevations

C. Radiographs

Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Tears

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of glenohumeral rheumatoid arthritis are:

A. History

  1. American Rheumatologic Association criteria for rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Limited motion and function

B. Physical Examination

  1. Limited glenohumeral motion
  2. Diagnosis is supported by findings of muscle atrophy and weakness and/or bone on bone crepitance

C. Radiographs

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