Subacromial Pain Syndrome

This condition is an umbrella term and includes conditions as impingement, subacromial bursitis, calcific tendinitis, biceps tendinitis, cuff degeneration, rotator cuff tendinopathy and cuff tear. Specialized tests as Neer , Hawkins , Empty-can test have been shown to help the clinician evaluate the shoulder. Anatomy of the shoulder is also described for reference. Role of imaging as MRI , Ultrasound and X-Ray is cited to help the clinician order further investigations. Management and the role of physiotherapy are discussed- acute tear secondary to trauma should be referred urgently. Addressing each condition alone is beyond the scope of this review but a chart with further details is planned on A4Medicine

Umbrella term ( Subacromial pain syndrome - SAPS ) for non-traumatic shoulder disorders and includes Impingement Subacromial bursitis Calcific tendinitis Biceps tendinitis Cuff degeneration Supraspinatus or rotator cuff tendinopathy Partial rotator cuff tearPain comes from the subacromial space which contains the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial space - this is separate to the main Glenohumeral joint

Presentation-Pain felt on the top and outer side of shoulder Usually unilateral Worsened by overhead activity Can cause night pain Usually full passive range of movements of the G/H jt Mainly caused by rotator cuff...