Physical Examinations of Rotator Cuff Tear

ABSTRACT

Successful treatment of any pathological condition of the shoulder requires an accurate diagnosis. Physical examination represents an integral part of the assessment of shoulder disorders. Pain, loss of strength, decreased range of motion, and instability are the most common symptoms caused by a great variety of different shoulder pathologies. Therefore, a sophisticated clinical approach to the patient with shoulder pathology is essential. A standardized evaluation including a variety of diagnostic tests and clinical assessments improves the diagnostic accuracy by specifically examining one component of the shoulder complex. In most cases a careful physical examination will establish or suggest a diagnosis and special investigative techniques such as imaging procedures can be applied more selectively for confirmation or further evaluation of the pathological entity.