shoulder Xray (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Shoulder X-ray

  • examination is indicated with shoulder pain where impingement syndrome or rotator cuff pathology is suspected, and may highlight OA, calcific tendinitis and reduced subacromial space. A history of shoulder trauma and instability also warrant x-ray

Notes:

General Indications for x-ray examination

  • Bony tenderness
  • Inability to weight-bear
  • Acute joint pain
  • Gross joint deformity
  • Acute spinal pain in elderly (to rule out osteoporotic wedge fracture)

Reference:

  • 1) Arthritis Research UK (Summer 2013). Hands on - Musculoskeletal imaging for GPs.