ABSTRACT
This chapter demystifies the diagnosis of shoulder problems and their management. Tests to elucidate the nature of the dislocation are usually unnecessary in primary care. It may be useful to ascertain if they are generally joint lax by performing the Beighton score. A painful shoulder that is not showing signs of getting better within 3 weeks probably isn't going to heal on its own and will need help. Rest for a few weeks can be helpful, as can nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) whilst waiting. A frozen shoulder classically runs through three stages: freezing, frozen and thawing phases. Usually, sudden onset of a painful and restricted range of active and passive movements. This looks exactly like a frozen shoulder or glenohumeral arthritis. Posterior dislocations occur after epileptic fits, road accidents and electric shocks. In rare cases, the symptoms may be due to osteolysis of the distal clavicle. The clavicle resorbs and then reforms over a 2-year period, diagnosed by x-ray.
