Acute shoulder pain in primary care - an observational study.

Scott Masters, Lorna O'Doherty, Geoffrey K. Mitchell, Michael Yelland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common presentation in general practice. Data on prognosis, treatment and compliance for acute shoulder pain are lacking but would be valuable for guiding decision making. This study collected data on acute shoulder pain and its outcome over 6 months. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 100 acute shoulder pain patients from 21 general practices in southeast Queensland. RESULTS: Disability levels at presentation were the best predictor of outcome at 6 months. Patients who had not fully recovered at 6 months had higher risk of depression at presentation. The biggest improvements in pain and disability scores occurred in the first month of management, with almost 60% of patients fully recovered at 6 months. Over 40% of patients had at least one radiological investigation for their pain. DISCUSSION: Measuring disability, pain and mood levels in acute shoulder pain patients gives the best prognostic data. The use of radiological investigations may be higher than is clinically necessary. Early multimodal management of acute shoulder pain patients needs consideration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)473-476
Number of pages4
JournalAustralian Family Physician
Volume36
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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