Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Questions & Answers

Updated: Oct 19, 2023
  • Author: Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA; Chief Editor: Craig C Young, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is rotator cuff impingement?

Which patients are at highest risk for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of MRI in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the incidence of shoulder impingement syndrome in the US?

What is the functional anatomy relevant to shoulder impingement syndrome?

How is the anatomy of the supraspinatus outlet relevant to shoulder impingement syndrome?

What causes nonoutlet shoulder impingement?

How does overuse or repetitive microtrauma contribute to the development of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is glenoid impingement?

Presentation

How does the type of shoulder impingement syndrome vary by age?

Which occupations are at highest risk for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What history of athletic activity is characteristic of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What should be included in the physical exam for shoulder impingement syndrome?

How are active range of motion (AROM) and passive range of motion (PROM) tested in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the areas palpated during the exam for shoulder impingement syndrome?

How should manual muscle testing be performed during the exam of shoulder impingement syndrome?

Which special tests are performed in the physical exam of suspected shoulder impingement syndrome?

How is instability determined in a patient with shoulder impingement syndrome?

How is generalized ligamentous laxity assessed in shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is included in the neurovascular exam of a patient with shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the causes of primary shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the causes of secondary shoulder impingement syndrome?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Workup

What is the role of radiographic studies in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the advantages of MRI in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the disadvantages of MRI in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of arthrography in the diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome?

Treatment

What are the goals of treatment in the acute phase of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is included in treatment during the acute phase of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the efficacy of exercise interventions for treatment of the acute phase of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of subacromial injection in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of platelet-rich therapy (PRT) in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

How is subacromial injection administered in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the contraindications to subacromial injection for the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome in patients?

What are the adverse effects of injectable corticosteroids as treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the adverse effects of local anesthetics as treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome?

How are adverse reactions to subacromial injection for shoulder impingement syndrome managed?

What is the role of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the duration of conservative treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of the acute phase of shoulder impingement syndrome?

How is surgical evaluation performed for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are the procedures for the arthroscopic evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is included in postoperative care for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the prognosis following arthroscopic subacromial decompression for shoulder impingement syndrome?

What is the role of physical therapy during the recovery phase of shoulder impingement syndrome treatment?

What is the role of physical therapy during the maintenance phase of shoulder impingement syndrome treatment?

Medications

What is the role of NSAIDs in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

What are possible adverse effects of NSAIDs for treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesic Combinations are used in the treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors are used in the treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?