A Guide to the Physical Examination of the Shoulder

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, and shoulder pain is a common complaint in the general population. While a comprehensive and accurate examination of the shoulder is a crucial element in the diagnosis and management of shoulder pain, the physical examination often is challenging.

Using illustrations and video demonstrations, A Guide to the Physical Examination of the Shoulder provides foundational knowledge and a thorough understanding of shoulder pathology for use by orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic surgery residents, medical students, physician assistants, and physical therapists in musculoskeletal courses and clinical assessment. Chapters are divided according to specific shoulder pathology, and each chapter documents the required history and physical examination, including details about observation, palpation, and specific tests and techniques associated with the pathology. The characteristics of each maneuver and real-world clinical applications are described and demonstrated in photographs and videos of both normal and abnormal examination results.

Leslie A. Barnes is Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Medical Director, Orthopedic Unit, at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Aaron Chen is Orthopedic Surgery Resident Physician at Columbia University Medical Center

Akhil Katakam is Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Physician at Rutgers University Medical School

William N. Levine is Frank Stinchfield Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Orthopedic Surgeon-in-Chief of New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center