Ultrasound Imaging for Tailored Treatment of Patients With Acute Shoulder Pain

R.P.G. Ottenheijm*, J.W.L. Cals, R. Weijers, K. Vanderdood, R.A. de Bie, G.J. Dinant

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the frequencies of ultrasound findings in patients with acute rotator cuff disorders in family medicine. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, 129 patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute shoulder pain in whom the family physician suspected rotator cuff disease underwent ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Rotator cuff disease was present in 81% of the patients, and 50% of them had multiple disorders. Calcific tendonitis was the most frequently diagnosed specific disorder. An age of 40 years or older was most strongly related to rotator cuff disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging enables family physicians to rationalize treatment in nearly all patients who are aged 40 years and older with acute shoulder pain.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-55
JournalAnnals of Family Medicine
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

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